The World Shipping Council’s (WSC) latest annual report on containers lost at sea reveals that 576 containers were lost in 2024. This figure is more than double the 221 containers lost in 2023, although it remains below the 10-year average of 1,274 containers lost. The increase in losses is primarily attributed to trade rerouting around the Cape of Good Hope, as shipping in the Red Sea remains uncertain.
Transits around the Cape have increased by 191%, which has exposed vessels to hazardous maritime conditions caused by extreme weather. The South African Maritime Safety Authority said three major incidents near the Cape accounted for the bulk of these losses. Approximately 200 containers, representing 35% of all losses, originated from this region alone.
Joe Kramek, President and CEO of the World Shipping Council, noted that, despite intensified efforts to prevent container loss, navigating the Cape’s challenging conditions continues to be a significant obstacle. However, only 0.0002% of the estimated 250 million containers transported globally have been lost, highlighting the industry’s strong safety record.
In 2025, the WSC plans to launch the industry’s first cargo screening system, designed to detect misdeclared dangerous goods, which is a leading cause of shipboard fires. By 2026, container loss reporting will become mandatory for all carriers under International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations.
“This year’s report confirms that the vast majority of containers are transported safely across the oceans. Still, even one container lost is one too many,” stated Kramek.
Source: gCaptain
