Development of Measures to Prevent the Loss of Containers at Sea - Estimate of containers lost at sea 2025 update

Since 2011, the World Shipping Council (WSC) has undertaken a survey of its member companies to accurately estimate the number of containers that are lost at sea each year. WSCʹs member companies operate more than 90% of the global containership capacity. Thus, a survey of their losses provides a valid basis for a meaningful estimate of the total number of containers lost at sea. The 2025 update adds information from the year 2024 where an estimated 576 containers were lost at sea out of approximately 250 million transported. While this represents an increase from 221 containers lost at sea in 2023, it remains well below the 10-year average of 1,274 containers lost annually. Container losses in 2024 were influenced by shifting global trade patterns, particularly in response to attacks on merchant shipping in the Red Sea. The overall trend remains encouraging. Despite occasional spikes, the long-term data continues to show a clear reduction in container losses compared to earlier years.

Read WSC’s submission here.