Report: 48% Reduction In Number Of Containers Lost At Sea

The World Shipping Council (WSC) released an update to its survey and estimate of containers lost at sea. WSC undertook the first survey of its member companies in 2011, with updates in 2014 and 2017.

Based on the most recent survey results, WSC estimates that for the combined nine year period from 2008 to 2016, on average, there were 568 containers lost at sea each year, not counting catastrophic events, and 1,582 containers lost at sea each year including catastrophic events. On average, 64% of containers lost during this period were attributed to a catastrophic event.

“Although the number of containers lost at sea represents a very small fraction of the number of containers carried on ships each year, the industry continuously strives to reduces those losses. The latest report shows that the average number of containers estimated to be lost each year is down from the estimates reported in 2014.

This is an encouraging sign. The report also identifies initiatives the industry is actively supporting to increase container safety and reduce losses further,” said John Butler, WSC President and CEO.

Read the full update to its survey and estimate of containers lost at sea by clicking here.

Reference: worldshipping.org