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Português do Brasil Container shipping is an essential part of global trade, moving billions of tons of goods annually. However, a persistent challenge with a major environmental and operational impact is the loss of containers at sea. The World Shipping Council (WSC) monitors this phenomenon annually, and its latest report, "Containers Lost at Sea," offers a crucial insight into trends and efforts to mitigate these incidents.
Increase in 2025, but a stable long-term outlook
In 2025, the number of containers lost at sea recorded an increase, reaching the mark of 1,478 units. This figure is higher than the 576 containers lost in 2024. Despite the growth, it is fundamental to contextualize that this quantity represents a tiny fraction of the total volume transported. Out of a total of approximately 280 million containers handled globally, losses corresponded to just 0.0005%.
The WSC clarifies that the increase in 2025 was mainly driven by a single large-scale incident, responsible for 640 containers, or about 43% of the total. This suggests that while the absolute number rose, there was no widespread deterioration in safety. The long-term trend remains stable, with the WSC highlighting that losses continue to be rare compared to the scale of global trade. The historical peak was in 2013, with 5,578 containers, while 2023 recorded the lowest number, with only 221 losses.
A positive note is the record 128 containers recovered in 2025, the highest number ever recorded by the survey. This result reflects more efficient coordination between shipowners and coastal authorities following incidents.
Causes and risk factors
Severe weather conditions remain one of the primary causes of container losses. The 2025 report points to above-average ocean temperatures, more unpredictable weather patterns, and challenging operational conditions on critical routes such as the North Atlantic and the North Pacific.
In addition to the weather, operational factors also contribute significantly. Cargo shifting, container stack collapse, groundings, fires, and vessel losses are incidents that are often triggered by bad weather.
For ports, shipowners, and cargo owners, the importance of correct cargo declaration, proper container stuffing, stowage planning, and secure lashing of units is reinforced. Misdeclared cargo, inadequate packing, and inaccurate weight information can drastically increase the risk of accidents.
The problem is amplified by the continuous increase in the size of container ships, which carry ever-larger volumes on long-distance routes. A single incident can, therefore, involve hundreds of containers and generate operational, environmental, and insurance impacts across various stages of the logistics chain.
New SOLAS 2026 notification rules
A significant regulatory change came into effect on January 1, 2026. Amendments to the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention now require mandatory reporting of containers lost at sea or sighted adrift. The new rules mandate that vessel operators and flag States report container losses to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The WSC believes that this new system will improve data quality, support faster responses from coastal authorities, and enhance navigation safety. The council will continue to publish its annual report in parallel with the new IMO notification system, ensuring transparency and allowing for historical comparisons.
Implications and the way forward
Although container losses are statistically limited, the operational risks that cause them demand constant industry attention. Climate volatility, cargo integrity, the transport of dangerous goods, and vessel safety remain central themes for shipowners, terminals, shippers, and regulatory bodies.
Collaboration among all stakeholders is crucial to improving safety practices, investing in monitoring and response technologies, and ensuring the sustainability of maritime transport. Awareness and compliance with the new regulations are fundamental steps toward a safer and more efficient future in global trade.
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