Containers lost at sea rise to 1,478 in 2025, but remain small share of global trade

Container losses at sea increased in 2025, driven largely by a single major incident, but remained a very small share of global containerized trade, according to the World Shipping Council’s latest Containers Lost at Sea report.

The report estimates that 1,478 containers were lost at sea in 2025, out of about 280 million containers transported worldwide. That means losses represented 0.0005% of global container movements.

The number was higher than the 576 containers lost in 2024, but still far below the worst years recorded by the industry. WSC said the increase was mainly the result of a few high-impact events rather than a broad deterioration in container shipping safety. One incident alone accounted for 640 lost containers, or about 43% of the total.

The council also reported 128 containers recovered in 2025, the highest recovery figure in the survey’s history. WSC said the number reflects stronger coordination between carriers and coastal authorities after incidents at sea.

Weather and cargo handling remain key risks

Severe weather remained one of the main causes of container losses in 2025. The report pointed to warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures, more unpredictable weather patterns and difficult operating conditions on major routes such as the North Atlantic and North Pacific.

Operational factors also contributed, including cargo shifts, stack collapses, groundings, fires and vessel losses. WSC said container losses often result from a combination of factors, with heavy weather frequently acting as the trigger.

For ports, carriers and cargo owners, the report reinforces the importance of proper cargo declaration, container packing, stowage planning and lashing. Misdeclared cargo, poor internal securing and inaccurate weight information can all increase the risk of incidents during ocean transport.

The issue is especially relevant as container ships continue to grow in size and carry larger volumes on long-haul routes. A single incident can now involve hundreds of containers and create operational, environmental and insurance impacts across several parts of the supply chain.

New reporting rules take effect

The report also highlights a regulatory change that began on Jan. 1, 2026. Amendments to the SOLAS Convention now require mandatory reporting of containers lost at sea or observed drifting.

The new rules require vessel operators and flag states to report container losses to the International Maritime Organization. WSC said the system should improve data quality, support faster response by coastal authorities and increase navigational safety.

The council said it will continue publishing its own annual report alongside the new IMO reporting framework to maintain transparency and allow year-to-year comparisons.

Long-term trend remains stable

Despite the rise in 2025, WSC said container losses remain rare when measured against the scale of global trade. The industry’s highest annual loss in the survey was recorded in 2013, when 5,578 containers were lost. The lowest came in 2023, with 221 containers.

For the container shipping industry, the message is that losses remain statistically limited, but the operational risks behind them require continued attention. Weather volatility, cargo integrity, dangerous goods and vessel safety remain central issues for carriers, terminals, shippers and regulators.

Source: World Shipping Council

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