OWNERS and masters need to know about new requirements for the mandatory reporting of containers lost at sea, which kicks in later this week, according to experts at the world’s largest P&I club Gard.
The stipulation, which forms part of International Maritime Organization amendments to the Safety of Life at Sea convention, comes into force on January 1.
According to the most up-to-date available statistics, published by the World Shipping Council, some 576 containers were lost at sea in 2024.
These incidents can be harmful for the environment and may leave P&I clubs footing the bill for costly shore debris removal operations, while cargo underwriters also face potentially significant claims.
Of particular concern to marine insurers has been the decision taken by all leading liner service to reroute away from the Red Sea for the past two years, as a result of the Houthi onslaught against merchant tonnage.
Boxships are now circumnavigating the Cape of Good Hope, leaving them potentially subject to unpredictable weather and sea conditions.
The South African Maritime Safety Authority reported nearly 200 containers were lost in this region alone last year, representing 35% of the global total.
But that experience has not been repeated in 2025, demonstrating the ability of the industry to learn from experience, senior loss prevention executive Kristin Urdahl and global claims lead Mark Russell argue on the Gard website.
The authors emphasise that the vast majority of containers are moved without incident. With more than 250m containers transported in 2024, the number of losses remains very low.
The reporting requirements apply to any ship carrying one or more freight containers or any ship that observes containers lost at sea.
Masters must promptly report both the loss and any sightings of drifting containers.
This ensures swift communication with nearby vessels, relevant coastal authorities and the vessel’s flag state.
The information required includes the ship’s identity, lost/drifting position, date and time, the number of containers lost/drifting, the container descriptions including size and type and whether any dangerous goods are involved, with UN numbers.
IMO circular CCC.1/Circ.7 contains a reporting template and links to interim reporting forms that have been developed for member states to use for reporting to the IMO.
It is recognised that at the time of the initial reporting, not all information may be available so there may be a need for more than one report.
At the earliest, safe and practicable opportunity, a thorough inspection on a ship having lost containers is expected to verify the details.
In the event of the ship being abandoned, or unable to report, the company, shall, to the fullest extent possible, assume the reporting obligations.
