LOWEST NUMBER SINCE 2008

Of the 250 million containers transported worldwide last year, only 211 containers were lost at sea. That is the lowest number since reporting began in 2011 by the World Shipping Council (WSC). Around 33% of the lost containers were recovered.

These results indicate a positive trend of greater container safety, but also improved navigational safety and shipping routes, the WSC said. Despite the fact that fewer containers were overboard – in 2022 there were still 611 -, according to the organization, there is no reason for complacency. “Every container lost at sea is one too many and represents potential danger,” WSC said.

WSC also refers to the research results of the so-called TopTier project, which investigates the causes of containers being thrown overboard. The advocacy group reports that a final report on this project will be published later this year with industry best practices and recommendations on safety, container and lashing standards and updates to guidelines and regulations.

Reporting obligation

In addition, we have worked together with the Maritime Safety Committee of the International Maritime Organization on the reporting obligation that will come into effect from 1 January 2026. From then on, ships are obliged to report if a container has accidentally fallen overboard, so that nearby ships are immediately informed and (environmental) damage can be limited as much as possible.

The WSC has been reporting on the number of containers lost at sea since 2011, with data from 2008. The report was originally updated every three years; Since 2023, the Containers Lost at Sea report has been conducted annually.