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The mandatory reporting of container lost at sea took effect on January 1 this year
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The regulation is part of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea by the International Maritime Organization Maritime Safety Committee, adopted in May 2024
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The World Shipping Council, in a statement following the adoption of the new regulations, said the changes are a significant advancement in maritime safety and environmental protection
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Based on the WSC’s Containers Lost at Sea Report 2025, there were 576 containers lost in 2024 out of over 250 million transported, higher than in 2023 but still significantly below the 10-year average of 1,274 containers annually
The mandatory reporting of container lost at sea took effect on January 1 this year.
The regulation is part of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 108), adopted in May 2024.
Among the provisions of the New Regulations 31 – Reporting by the Master of the Ship are:
- The Shipmaster involved in the loss must immediately and thoroughly report details to nearby ships, the nearest coastal state, and the flag State;
- The flag State will pass the information to the IMO via a new module in the Global Integrated Shipping Information System;
- Shipmasters who observe drifting containers must report it to nearby ships and the nearest coastal state.
Regulation 32 – Reporting Details: For Containers Lost at Sea:
- Reports must be made ASAP, with updates as more information becomes available;
- A final count of lost containers must be confirmed after a thorough inspection;
- Mandatory details to include the position of the lost containers, total number lost, and if any container contained dangerous goods. Additional descriptive information is required if possible.
- Masters can also share voluntary details about the cargo, sea conditions, and more.
For Drifting Containers Observed:
- Reports must include the position and total number of containers spotted drifting;
- Additional voluntary details similar to those for lost containers can be provided if available.
The World Shipping Council, in a statement in June 2024 following the adoption of the new regulations, said the changes are a “significant advancement in maritime safety and environmental protection.”
READ: WSC lauds IMO rule on mandatory reporting of containers lost at sea
“By ensuring prompt and detailed reporting of lost and drifting containers, these amendments will enhance navigational safety, facilitate swift response actions, and mitigate potential environmental hazards,” Lars Kjaer, SVP Safety & Security for WSC, said.
Based on the WSC’s latest Containers Lost at Sea Report, there were 576 containers lost in 2024 out of over 250 million containers transported. This is higher than the 2023 record, but still significantly below the 10-year average of 1,274 containers annually.
“Despite continued loss-prevention efforts by the industry, the necessary rerouting of vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, one of the world’s most difficult and weather-intensive passages, has introduced new challenges. These conditions have contributed to the rise in container losses in 2024,” WSC said.
Meanwhile, the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) starts covering 100% of maritime emissions this year for vessels operating between EU ports, and 50% of emissions for ships arriving into the EU from outside the region.
The European freight forwarder’s association Clecat said these “regulatory developments are already being reflected in the market through the introduction and adjustment of ETS-related surcharges by ocean carriers. As the surrendering obligation increases and additional greenhouse gases are brought into scope, further upward pressure on costs can be expected.”
