Customer Advisory: CMA CGM/APL Cyber Attack

Laufer Group International – Customer Advisory: CMA CGM/APL Cyber Attack

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

To our valued clients,

Early last week one of our carrier partners, CMA CGM/APL, announced that they were victim of a cyber-attack. Their reports indicate this has impacted their IT and peripheral systems and that action had been taken to restrict external access to applications with intent to prevent the https://www.cmacgm-group.com/en/news-media/global-it-update-09-29-2020malware from spreading. As widely reported in the news, CMA CGM’s eBusiness website remains down one week later and importers and exporters continue to struggle from the effects of this attack. Laufer Group is working with our clients to help mitigate the effects of this attack where possible. We are taking this opportunity to report on the following challenges currently faced:

Import:

1. Delay or inability to get Pick-Up #s at IPI ramps for container deliveries
2. Delay or inability to receive confirmation of freight and customs release
3. Lack of clarity and information regarding receipt of empty container returns to terminals and depots
4. Outstanding questions on CMA CGM global policy on demurrage and detention as this is entirely outside the control of shippers and forwarders
5. Inability to file tariff rates for pending shipments, both import and export
6. Communication and problem resolution are delayed or not possible as CMA CGM/APL systems, emails are all down.
7. Delay or inability to cut IT for in bond IPI movements

 Export:

1. Delay or inability to place or confirm export bookings
2. Delay or inability to confirm status of pre-arranged US export bookings
3. Delay or inability to process rail billing for US container IPI exports
4. Delay or inability to confirm Bill of Lading releases at destination for US exports
5. Outstanding questions on CMA CGM global policy on demurrage and detention as this is entirely outside the control of shippers and forwarders
6. Inability to file tariff rates for pending shipments, both import and export
7. Communication and problem resolution are delayed or not possible as CMA CGM/APL systems, emails are all down.

Notification:

As a result of the conditions noted above, Laufer Group, has declared “Force Majeure” to all related shipments in its network that are impacted by the disruption to both CMA CGM and APL.  Under this provision our company shall not be therefore liable/responsible for non-fulfilment of any services expressly or impliedly agreed upon under any existing/ongoing agreement during such period or any extension of this period under our declaration of “Force Majeure”. During such period and any extension thereafter (if any), we shall not remain liable for any damages, delay, compensation, related costs and charges etc. since the situation happens to be totally beyond our control.

We appreciate your understanding and confirm our commitment to you to provide as seamless service as possible despite the challenging conditions facing us all. Please contact your local sales or operations representative with any questions.