The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted mandatory amendments to Regulation 31 and 32 of Chapter V of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and paragraph 5 of Article I of the Protocol to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) to standardize the reporting process for lost containers at sea.
These amendments require ship masters to report container losses and sightings without delay, ensuring timely communication with nearby vessels, coastal states, and flag state authorities. The amendments aim to enhance navigational safety, environmental protection, and the traceability of lost containers.
Scope of the amendments
The regulation applies to any ship carrying one or more cargo containers, or any ship that observes containers lost at sea. The amendments will enter into force on January 1, 2026.
Key amendments
SOLAS Chapter V – Safety of Navigation
The amendments adopted by Resolution MSC.550(108) introduce the following provisions:
Regulation V/31 – Hazard reporting
The master of a ship involved in the loss of containers overboard shall immediately report the incident to nearby ships, the nearest coastal state, and the flag state.
If the ship is abandoned or unable to report, the company (as defined in SOLAS Chapter IX, Regulation 1.2) shall assume the reporting obligation.
Upon receiving the notification, the flag state shall report the incident to the IMO through the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS).
The master of any ship observing floating containers shall similarly report the incident to nearby ships, the nearest coastal state, and the flag state.
Regulation V/32 – Information required for hazard reporting
For container loss incidents, the report shall include:
Type of report: Ship lost cargo containers
Ship identification (IMO number/name/call sign/Maritime Mobile Service Identity MMSI), time of incident (UTC), and location (actual, estimated, or sighted position)
Number or estimated number of lost containers
Whether dangerous goods are involved (if known, including UN number)
Container description (e.g., size, type, whether empty)
Any other relevant information, such as cargo leakage, weather, sea conditions, and estimated drift direction.
Once the number of lost containers is verified, a follow-up report shall be sent and clearly marked as “Final.”
For incidents involving observed floating containers, similar information shall be reported, but the report type shall be “Observed floating cargo containers at sea.”
MARPOL Protocol I – Article V
The amendments adopted by Resolution MEPC.384(81) align MARPOL with SOLAS:
A new paragraph is added requiring that reports of container losses be made in accordance with SOLAS Regulations V/31 and V/32.
Required actions
Shipowners, operators, and masters shall implement the following measures:
Update the Safety Management System (SMS) to reflect the new reporting obligations.
Ensure bridge teams are trained on the new SOLAS Regulations V/31 and V/32 procedures.
Review and test communication protocols with flag states and coastal authorities.
Implement systems to record and verify container loss data to ensure reporting accuracy.
