French line denies green group accusations

CMA CGM and subsidiary Delmas have denied accusations that they were involved in illegally exporting rare timber from Madagascar and condemned “smear campaigns” targeting the group.

The French line was responding to accusations last week by Global Witness and the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) that Delmas was facilitating the destruction of Madagascar's last remaining forests.

In a statement issued today, CMA CGM said: “The group transports goods in strict compliance with national and international regulations. Timber exports from Madagascar are carried out within a rigorous legal framework, defined by the relevant Malagasy authorities.”

The statement said that to prevent any illegal loading, CMA CGM had also instigated additional procedures in Madagascar, such as the triple checking of documents and loading, two separate customs’ checks and one by the Environmental Task Force.

“CMA CGM and its subsidiary DELMAS load aboard their vessels only timber that has been authorised at the highest levels of government (Prime Minister and the Malagasy Ministries of Trade, Finance and Budget, Environment and Forestry) and for which export verification and validation has been certified by the Malagasy Customs and the Task Force.

“All shipments scrupulously respect the rules imposed by national and international regulations, and the enhanced CMA CGM Group procedures. CMA CGM condemns the campaigns to smear its reputation, as every container of timber has received all the necessary export approvals and guarantees from the relevant Malagasy authorities.

“These loading authorisations are available from the group to any organisation concerned with environmental protection and sustainable development. The CMA CGM Group reaffirms its commitment to respecting the environment.”

(Source: Cargo News Asia)