WSC report reveals container losses at sea in 2023 were the lowest since records began.

Container losses at sea in 2023 ‘at lowest level since WSC records began’ 

Individuals and organisations considering the merits of freight by sea may be interested in reading about a 2024 update that has just been issued by the World Shipping Council (WSC), on the matter of containers lost at sea. 

In heartening news, the trade association – which represents the global liner shipping industry – confirmed that in 2023, the recorded number of containers lost at sea was at its lowest since the survey began in 2008. Specifically, there were 221 container losses last year. 

While the WSC hailed this latest “significant” fall as a “positive development”, the organisation emphasised the ongoing requirement for stringent safety measures and continual vigilance, on the basis that “every container lost at sea is one too many.” 

How was the report prepared? 

The WSC report drew upon data gathered through surveys and direct reports from shipping companies around the world. This process enables information to be sourced on how many containers are lost, as well as the circumstances in which such losses occur, and the steps taken to mitigate such losses. 

Information from international maritime organisations has also been incorporated into the report. 

What were the key findings? 

According to the WSC report, 2023 saw some 221 containers lost at sea, out of 250 million containers transported. This was a big drop from the previous lowest-ever figure for container losses – 661, recorded in 2022. 

Approximately a third (33%) of the lost containers in 2023 were recovered. 

Taking a longer-term perspective, the last 16 years have seen fluctuations in the numbers of containers lost at sea. Significant spikes have occurred in the data over the years, attributable to major maritime incidents. 

The WSC report states that the main causes of container loss include severe weather conditions, the improper packing of cargo, and parametric rolling in following seas. 

However, improved practices and technological advances in recent years have helped drive down the average annual loss. 

The trade association said that most of its member carriers saw only single-digit losses during 2023, and that some didn’t have any losses at all. 

Plummeting container loss figure “does not diminish the urgency of our work” 

John Butler, the WSC’s CEO, stated that the news of reduced container losses at sea during 2023 “does not diminish the urgency of our work. Every container lost at sea represents a potential hazard, and our commitment to preventing these incidents must be unwavering.” 

As a freight forwarder providing all manner of solutions for freight by sea to and from the UK, Europe, and beyond, here at KTL, we very much back this sentiment of non-complacency. Nonetheless, it is pleasing to learn of the success that has been achieved in minimising container losses, and we look forward to continued progress. 

Get in touch with the KTL UK team today to learn more about our services and expertise in relation to freight by sea, road, and air, and to receive a competitive quote. 

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