Maritime Container Losses Remain Exceptionally Low in 2024 Amidst Red Sea Rerouting

In 2024, a total of 576 containers were lost at sea. While this marks an increase from 221 in 2023, it is still significantly below the 10-year average of 1,274. These figures, released by the World Shipping Council (WSC) in its annual "Containers Lost at Sea" report, highlight the continued progress in maritime safety and loss prevention efforts. The report is based on direct input from member companies, collectively representing approximately 90% of global container vessel capacity.

A notable factor contributing to the 2024 figures was the disruptions in the Red Sea region. To avoid conflict zones, shipping lines altered global trade routes, leading to a substantial 191% rise in vessel transits around the Cape of Good Hope compared to 2023. The Cape is renowned for its hazardous maritime conditions, and the South African Maritime Safety Authority reported around 200 container losses in this region alone.

Crucially, despite these challenges, the proportion of containers lost relative to the total number transported remains exceptionally low. At just 0.0002% of the approximately 250 million containers shipped globally in 2024, the vast majority reach their destination safely.

"This year’s report confirms that the vast majority of containers are transported safely across the oceans. Still, even one container lost is one too many," stated Joe Kramek, President & CEO of the World Shipping Council. He added, "Despite continued loss-prevention efforts by the industry, the re-routing of transits away from the Red Sea and around the Cape of Good Hope to keep global commerce moving has ocean carriers navigating one of the world’s most challenging routes, as highlighted in this report.”

Enhancing Safety Through Advanced Technologies and Practices

The report underscores ongoing efforts across the liner shipping industry to improve container handling, stowage, and securing practices. Safety is a shared responsibility, with the report detailing the essential roles played by every part of the supply chain—from shippers and freight forwarders to terminal operators and ocean carriers.

The integrity of onboard systems is paramount in the complex environment of a modern cargo vessel. This includes sophisticated navigation, communication, and power distribution networks, all of which rely on high-performance cabling. In the event of an emergency, such as a fire, the ability of these systems to remain operational can be critical for crew safety and vessel integrity. This is where low-smoke halogen-free (LSHF) cables prove invaluable. Unlike traditional PVC cables, LSHF cables do not emit dense smoke or toxic halogen gases when exposed to fire. This significantly improves visibility for evacuation and firefighting efforts and substantially reduces the risk of incapacitation due to smoke inhalation. Their robust construction and fire-resistant properties ensure continued power and data transmission in critical situations, making them an indispensable component of a vessel's overall safety infrastructure. The implementation of such advanced cabling solutions directly supports the industry's proactive approach to loss prevention and enhanced safety standards.

Several major safety initiatives are also featured in the report:

• Mandatory reporting of container losses to the IMO will begin in 2026, following the adoption of new SOLAS amendments. This development has been a long-standing advocacy point for the WSC.

• The Top Tier Joint Industry Project, led by MARIN with WSC participation, is set to present its final report to the IMO in September. This project has made significant advancements in improving container safety by identifying the main causes for losses, developing prevention tools, and making recommendations for regulatory changes.

• The WSC Cargo Safety Program, launching in 2025, will introduce the first industry-wide system for cargo screening. This system aims to flag mis- or undeclared dangerous goods, which are a leading cause of shipboard fires.

• Additionally, new regulations on charcoal shipments will come into force in 2026, with many carriers set to proactively implement these rules in 2025.

Trust Feichun Cable for Reliable Solutions

In maritime operations where safety and reliability are non-negotiable, the quality of every component matters. Feichun Cable offers a comprehensive range of high-performance cables designed to meet the rigorous demands of the shipping industry. Our products are engineered for durability, efficiency, and safety, providing robust solutions for power, control, and communication systems onboard. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Feichun Cable contributes to the seamless and secure operation of vessels, supporting the global supply chain with dependable electrical infrastructure.

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