Persistent Container Losses at Sea: Challenges Beyond Ship Size and Weather

Despite advancements in ship design, technology, and operational procedures, the maritime industry continues to grapple with the persistent issue of losing containers at sea. Recent incidents, such as the loss of 50 containers from the Ever Lunar near Callao Bay and approximately 30 to 40 from the Ever Feat off South America, highlight that larger ships and sophisticated monitoring systems do not eliminate the risk. These losses occurred under moderate weather conditions, challenging the assumption that only extreme storms cause container spills. Scientific data indicates that ocean conditions have become increasingly volatile, especially in the Southern Hemisphere, with rising wave heights and more energetic swell impacting coastlines and port operations. According to the World Shipping Council’s 2025 report, annual container losses have fluctuated but remain significant, with notable incidents around the Cape of Good Hope linked to rerouted traffic amid regional conflicts. Both container and non-container vessels have suffered, revealing that the problem extends beyond ship size or route. Losses are occurring across various regions, including the North Pacific, North Sea, and ...