11 June 2024 (Lloyd's List) - THE lowest number of containers lost at sea has been recorded in 2023 since the annual survey began.

The World Shipping Council’s report said just 221 containers were lost at sea in 2023, out of the 250m transported by the shipping industry.

Of these 221 boxes lost, a third were recovered.

These numbers are the lowest since the survey began in 2008 and a significant improvement on the previous record of just 661 containers lost in 2022.

WSC said most of its members saw either none or only single digit losses in 2023. Just one carrier lost more than 100 containers last year.

“The reduction in containers lost at sea in 2023 is a positive development, but it does not diminish the urgency of our work,” said WSC chief executive John Butler.

“Every container lost at sea represents a potential hazard, and our commitment to preventing these incidents must be unwavering.”

The results follow the announcement of new regulations by the International Maritime Organization, which will demand masters that lose or observe any lost container to nearby vessels, the nearest coastal state and the flag state.

These rules will come into effect in January 2026.