The World Shipping Council (WSC) has published its annual Containers Lost at Sea Report, providing an updated overview of incidents involving container loss. The report highlights that an estimated 1,478 containers were lost overboard in 2025. This number marks a significant rise when compared to the 576 containers reported lost in 2024.
Despite this increase, the overall percentage of lost containers remains exceptionally low. Out of approximately 280 million containers shipped worldwide, the 1,478 lost containers account for just 0.0005 percent of the total volume. This indicates that while incidents occur, the vast majority of container shipments reach their destination without issue.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, these statistics underscore the inherent risks in ocean transport, albeit minimal. While the percentage is small, any container loss can lead to significant cargo claims, insurance processes, and potential supply chain disruptions for affected shipments. Forwarders should continue to emphasize robust cargo securing practices and ensure comprehensive cargo insurance coverage for their clients. The data also serves as a reminder of the importance of carrier selection, considering their safety records and operational procedures.