The collision caused a spill of 610 tonnes of fuel oil in the East China Sea, as well as the damage or loss of 263 containers.
The Marine Accident Investigation Branch report shows that in the run up to the incident, which occurred at 0033hrs, Florida changed course to avoid a group of fishing vessels with a closest point of approach under 0.1 nm. The container ship's course change caused a risk of collision with bulk carrier Chou Shan, which was to cross Florida port to starboard.
In a radio conversation over VHF Chou Shan's officer of the watch requested Florida pass around Chou Shan's stern. The use of VHF to prevent collision runs contrary to industry advice and the course agreed contravenes rule 15 of ColRegs, which places the duty to give way on the ship which has the other on the starboard side, in this case Chou Shan.
The call to Florida was conducted in Mandarin and answered by her second officer, as the Filipino officer on watch did not speak Mandarin. Miscommunication and confusion over the agreed course change led to an attempt to agree a port to port pass as the ships closed, but it was again unclear which course both ships should take and were taking.
In the resulting collision 610 tonnes of fuel oil were spilled from Florida, as it sustained extensive damage to its port side, affecting cargo holds, five decks of the accommodation block, the port lifeboat, fuel tanks and 263 containers. Chou Shan sustained heavy damage to her bow and no injuries were reported on either vessel.
CMA CGM and Sincere Navigation have both taken steps since the incident to prevent a recurrence.
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