Actual Number of Containers Lost at Sea Falling, Study Shows

The global container shipping industry continues to see a declining trend in the number of containers lost at sea each year.

The World Shipping Council (WSC) on Wednesday released an update to its survey that provides the industry with its best estimate on the number of actual containers lost at sea.

WSC undertook the first survey of its member companies in 2011, with updates published in 2014, 2017 and 2020. Upon review of the results of the twelve-year period (2008-2019) surveyed, the WSC estimates that there were on average a total of 1,382 containers lost at sea each year.

*Collapsed containers on the deck of the CMA CGM G. Washington.
Photo courtesy MAIB