A new humanitarian aid shipment weighing 600 tons arrived at the port of Beirut, coming on board the ship “CMA CGM BARRACUDA” from the Turkish port of Mersin. This shipment comes within the framework of the “Containers of Hope” initiative implemented by Foundation CMA CGM in cooperation with the World Food Program and with support from European humanitarian aid.
The Corporation announced in a statement issued in Beirut today, Thursday, that the shipment consisting of 39 40-foot containers had arrived at the Beirut Port Container Terminal. The shipment contains basic food supplies intended to support the affected and displaced people in light of the current conditions.
The Foundation confirmed that this shipment is part of the urgent and ongoing response undertaken by the World Food Programme, with the aim of expanding the scope of food assistance provided to displaced families affected by crises. She indicated that the necessary funding for this shipment was provided with support from European humanitarian assistance, within the framework of strengthening humanitarian preparedness and response in Lebanon.
The Corporation explained that transporting the shipment via the ship “CMA CGM BARRACUDA” reflects the logistical capabilities of the CMA CGM Group and its readiness to respond quickly to support its partners in times of crisis. She pointed out that the corporation uses all of the group’s capabilities, including ships, containers, planes, warehouses and trucks, to ensure the arrival of supplies in cases of natural disasters or conflicts.
This operation comes as a continuation of previous efforts made by the Foundation to support Lebanon, as it transported 60 tons of urgent humanitarian aid from France by air via a CMA CGM AIR CARGO plane, and shipped about 1,000 tons of Egyptian aid by sea.
The Foundation affirmed continued cooperation with official authorities and its international partners, led by the World Food Programme, to support the affected Lebanese and effectively contribute to the humanitarian response.
It should be noted that Foundation CMA CGM was founded in 2005 and is headed by Tania Saada Al-Zaani, and focuses on humanitarian work and supporting education. Since the launch of the “Containers of Hope” initiative in 2012, the Foundation has transported more than 120,000 tons of aid free of charge to 106 countries, and has supported more than 630 projects in France, Lebanon and a number of other countries, in addition to supporting 67 entrepreneurs within its “Le Phare” program.
This aid comes at a time when Lebanon is witnessing increasing humanitarian deterioration as a result of the repercussions of the war and the economic crisis, and the resulting increase in displacement rates and increased pressure on infrastructure and basic services. Lebanon relies heavily on international support to meet the food and humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable groups, in light of increasing social and living pressures.
