According to news from the Shipping Network, on June 25, the World Shipping Council (WSC) released its annual “Containers Lost at Sea Report.” Data shows that in 2025, out of approximately 280 million containers transported globally, 1,478 containers were lost, accounting for about 0.0005%.
The report indicates that the 2025 figure represents an increase from the 576 containers lost in 2024 and is also higher than the average of the past three years. This was primarily influenced by several isolated major incidents, with a single accident on one large vessel resulting in the loss of 640 containers, accounting for approximately 43% of the annual total.
Long-term trends continue to show that the number of lost containers remains very small relative to the total volume of global container shipping. Although annual figures fluctuate, the main causes of container loss are typically severe weather and ocean conditions, particularly in the North Atlantic and North Pacific, as well as isolated fire-related incidents.
At the same time, it is encouraging that 128 containers were recovered in 2025, the highest level since the World Shipping Council began collecting this data in 2023.
In fact, according to follow-up reports by the Shipping Network, the World Shipping Council has been collecting information on the number of containers lost at sea since 2008, regularly publishing the “Containers Lost at Sea Report” and submitting it to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Furthermore, effective January 1, 2026, the IMO Maritime Safety Committee has adopted amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). The new regulations require shipmasters to immediately report when containers are lost or drifting containers are observed at sea, and to ensure timely notification to nearby vessels, coastal states, and flag state authorities. Flag states must also report the number of containers lost at sea to the IMO.
