Containers set to be thrown overboard on a massive scale in 2025

In 2025, containers fell overboard significantly more often than in the previous year. Worldwide, 1,478 containers ended up in the sea, out of a total of around 280 million containers transported.

This is according to the World Shipping Council’s annual Containers Lost at Sea Report. Despite the increase, the proportion of lost containers remains very small. It amounts to approximately 0.0005 per cent of the total number of containers transported worldwide.

Containers lost significantly more often than in 2024

According to the World Shipping Council, 576 containers went overboard in 2024. In 2025, that figure rose to 1,478 containers. According to the report, this increase is mainly due to a few isolated but major incidents.

A single incident accounted for the loss of 640 containers. That single incident thus represented approximately 43 per cent of all containers that ended up at sea in 2025. The report therefore demonstrates that the annual total can be strongly influenced by a limited number of major events.

These kinds of figures are important for shippers, shipping lines and freight forwarders. Lost containers can lead to delays, additional paperwork, insurance issues and disruption to planning. Further information on international container flows can be found on the pages about services, containers and importing.

Containers are mainly lost due to severe weather

The World Shipping Council identifies challenging weather and sailing conditions as a major cause. The North Atlantic and the North Pacific in particular are cited as areas where ships faced severe conditions in 2025.

Fire-related incidents also played a role. Fire on board container ships remains a serious risk, particularly when cargo is incorrectly declared or dangerous goods are not properly declared. As a result, there is a growing focus on improved checks, packaging and documentation.

For the logistics chain, this means that safety does not begin at sea. Accurate cargo information, clear documentation and effective coordination between the shipper, freight forwarder and shipping line are essential. Anyone shipping internationally has to deal with regulations, risks and control points that directly affect the reliability of transport.

128 containers were recovered in 2025

Of the 1,478 lost containers, 128 were salvaged. This is the highest number since the World Shipping Council began keeping separate records on the salvage of lost containers in 2023.

Recovering containers is a complex process. Location, water depth, weather conditions, cargo type and safety risks determine whether recovery is possible. Some containers sink quickly, whilst others remain afloat temporarily and pose a risk to shipping and the environment.

For companies that rely on sea freight, insight into the status of shipments remains crucial. When containers are involved in incidents, this can have consequences for delivery times, claims, stock planning and customer communication.

New reporting requirement for containers at sea

On 1 January 2026, new international reporting obligations came into force. Following an amendment to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, lost or floating containers must be reported. Flag states must also report the number of containers lost at sea to the International Maritime Organisation.

This reporting requirement is intended to ensure greater transparency and better follow-up. If containers are reported more quickly, authorities, ships and salvage teams can respond sooner. This is important for navigational safety, environmental protection and the reliability of international trade routes.

In addition, the report highlights broader safety initiatives. Examples include the WSC Cargo Safety Programme, the revised CTU Code, the Top Tier Joint Industry Project and new rules for the transport of charcoal under the IMDG Code. All these measures are aimed at safer loading, stowage, transport and inspection of containers.

Containers remain a minor risk within global trade

Although the number of lost containers in 2025 is significantly higher than in 2024, the percentage remains very low on a global scale. The sector transported approximately 280 million containers, of which around 0.0005 per cent ended up at sea.

Nevertheless, every incident counts. A container falling overboard can result in loss of cargo, environmental damage, safety risks and economic loss. It therefore remains essential for the logistics sector to invest in improved cargo security, accurate declarations and reliable operational processes.

For companies that import or export goods, thorough preparation is essential. This includes correct documentation, clear agreements on Incoterms, insurance, packaging and timely communication in the event of any discrepancies. More practical information can be found on the pages about export, Incoterms and Bills of Lading.

Did you know that…

…the World Shipping Council has been reporting on containers lost at sea since 2011, with figures dating back to 2008? The new reporting requirement is set to ensure even better international data from 2026 onwards.