Eurocargo Malta

On 2 December 2023, the ro-ro cargo ship Eurocargo Malta was en route from Malta to Genoa when it was caught in bad weather in the Mediterranean and lost part of its cargo. Four semi-trailers fell overboard, one of which was carrying a 28,000 litre tank of sulphuric acid.

The ship's captain reported the incident to the Italian authorities, who in turn informed the French authorities (Maritime Prefecture for the Mediterranean) during the night of 2 to 3 December, in accordance with the Ramoge Agreement, signed in 1976 by Italy, France and Monaco. A helicopter was quickly dispatched by the Italian authorities from the Sarzana base in Liguria to survey the zone in search of any pollution and to check that the semi-trailers were not floating at the surface, posing a navigational hazard.

During the overflight, no pollution or particular surface phenomenon was identified (which is consistent with the product's expected behaviour) and no fish or mammal mortality was detected.

The semi-trailers sank in waters 900 metres deep near the Pelagos Sanctuary. Cedre was tasked with conducting an impact assessment on the sulphuric acid. Given that this acid completely dissolves in water and that seawater acts as a buffer, the risks for the environment were considered to be low.

An investigation was opened by the Genoa Public Prosecutor's Office for "hazardous environmental pollution". The investigation should determine whether the cargo was correctly secured, with chains and hooks, and whether or not the ship set sail in particularly dangerous weather conditions. Investigations are being conducted jointly with the Italian Coast Guard.