The World Shipping Council (WSC) Containers Lost at Sea 2026 Report revealed that an estimated 1,478 containers, two-and-a-half times the 576 lost in 2024.
In 2025 approximately 280 million containers were transported globally, which meant the 1,478 lost was equivalent to 0.0005 percent of those transported.
The 2025 figure is above the recent three-year average. This was strongly influenced by several discrete but significant incidents, with one major vessel loss accounting for 640 containers, or approximately 43 percent of all containers lost during the year.
This one major incident underscores the continued influence of isolated, large-scale events in shaping yearly outcomes.
The report identifies challenging weather and ocean conditions, particularly in the North Atlantic and North Pacific, as well as fire-related incidents, as key contributors to container losses.
The report also shows that 128 containers were recovered in 2025, the highest recovery figure recorded since WSC began gathering recovery data in 2023.
Container Loss Trend
The number of containers continues to fluctuate year-to-year, reflecting the impact of isolated large-scale incidents.
The increase in 2025 reverses the sharp decline observed in 2022–2024 but remains consistent with historical variability driven by major incidents.
The full dataset since WSC started its surveys show:
- The highest recorded loss remains 2013, with 5,578 containers
- The lowest recorded loss was in 2023, with 221 containers
Every container loss incident presents a risk to the environment, seafarers, shippers’ cargo and to the ship, and we will continue to work systematically to prevent them. Nevertheless, despite periodic spikes, the overall trend continues to demonstrate that container losses are rare relative to the scale of global trade.
WSC has conducted its Containers Lost at Sea surveys since 2011, covering losses from 2008 onwards. From 1 January 2026, new mandatory international reporting requirements entered into force, with amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea requiring all containers lost or observed drifting at sea to be reported. Flag states must also report the number of containers lost at sea to the International Maritime Organization.
Download the report: WSC Containers Lost at Sea Report 2026