Estimate of Containers Lost at Sea – 2026 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 2026 update adds information from the year 2025 when an estimated 1,478 containers were lost at sea out of approximately 280 million transported. While this represents an increase from 576 containers lost at sea in 2024, and is above the recent three-year average, it remains within the range of historical variation and continues to reflect a very small proportion of overall containerized trade. A notable feature of 2025 was the concentration of losses in a small number of incidents. One major incident alone accounted for 640 containers lost, or approximately 43% of the annual total. This underscores the continued influence of isolated, large-scale events in shaping yearly outcomes.

Read the full WSC submission here.