How Many Containers Lost In The Sea In A Year

The World Shipping Council’s report, “Containers Lost at Sea – 2023” published in May 2023, unveiled startling statistics regarding container losses in 2022. Despite the vast volume of goods transported annually, comprising 250 million packed and empty containers valued at over $7 trillion, only 661 containers were lost at sea. This figure, representing less than one thousandth of 1% of the total transported, marks the lowest percentage of losses since the survey’s inception in 2008.

Examining trends over a fifteen-year period (2008-2022), the report indicates an average yearly loss of 1,566 containers, with the most recent three-year average reaching 2,301 containers annually (2020-2022). Significant fluctuations have been observed in previous periods, with losses averaging 675 containers per year in 2008-2010, surging to 2,683 per year in 2011-2013 due to major incidents like the sinking of the MOL Comfort and grounding of M/V Rena.

However, the downward trend in container losses reversed in 2020-2021, with the average annual loss soaring to 3,113 containers, attributed to severe weather incidents involving vessels like the ONE Opus and Maersk Essen. Despite advancements in ship design and safety measures, factors contributing to container losses remain multifaceted, encompassing stormy weather, propulsion issues, and container securing practices.

In December 2023, further losses were reported when dozens of Maersk shipping containers fell overboard during Storm Pia. Confirming the incident, Maersk had in the last week of December acknowledged that at least 40 containers were believed to have been lost, with debris washing ashore along Denmark’s North Sea coastline. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact causes, with authorities issuing warnings to ships navigating the area.

The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee has been apprised of the challenges posed by container losses, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate risks. As global trade continues to expand and vessels grow in size, addressing these challenges remains imperative to ensure maritime safety and environmental protection.