During 2024 the world lost 576 containers at sea according to a new report update by The World Shipping Council (WSC). This represents an increase from the record-low 221 containers lost in 2023.
The 2024 numbers, however, remain well below the 10-year average of 1,274 containers lost annually, underscoring continued industry progress on safety and prevention.
The 7-page report Containers Lost at Sea 2025 update said container losses in 2024 were influenced by ongoing disruption in the Red Sea region, which led to a significant shift in global trade routes.
Vessel transits around the Cape of Good Hope increased by 191% compared to 2023. This area is well-known for hazardous maritime conditions, which contributed to a concentration of losses. The South African Maritime Safety Authority said around 200 containers were lost in this region alone.
Despite these challenges, the proportion of containers lost relative to those transported remains exceptionally low - just 0.0002% of the approximately 250m containers transported globally in 2024.
WSC president and CEO Joe Kramek said, “This year’s report confirms that the vast majority of containers are transported safely across the oceans. Still, even one container lost is one too many.
“Despite continued loss-prevention efforts by the industry, the re-routing of transits away from the Red Sea and around the Cape of Good Hope to keep global commerce moving has ocean carriers navigating one of the world’s most challenging routes, as highlighted in this report.”
Mandatory reporting of container losses to the IMO will begin in 2026. WSC has said it has long advocated for this and welcomes this development.
The report Containers Lost at Sea report is based on direct input from member companies representing approximately 90% of the global container vessel capacity. Data is extrapolated to provide an industry-wide estimate, assuming comparable performance from non-participating carriers. Industry-wide reporting will become mandatory from 2026.