Masters must report promptly if containers are lost or drifting containers are observed, writes Sofia Pantazopoulou, ABS Engineer, Regulatory Affairs
January 1, 2026, saw the entry into force of amendments to SOLAS Chapter V and Article V, Protocol I of MARPOL, introducing mandatory reporting procedures for the loss of containers from ships at sea.
These amendments – which apply both to ships that lose containers and to ships that observe containers lost at sea – aim to mitigate the navigation hazards and enhance the position tracking and recovery of such containers.
Despite initiatives to promote proper cargo packing, accurate weight, proper stowage and securing aboard ship, containers continue to be lost at sea due to severe weather and ship groundings.
According to data provided by the World Shipping Council, an average of 1,629 containers were lost each year between 2008 and 2021 (including from the sinking of containerships). However, a significant decrease has been observed between 2022 and 2024, with the average number of containers lost per annum reduced to 489.
Such losses result in economic loss and risks to marine safety from drifting containers as well as pollution, due to potential release of dangerous substances, plastics and other pollutants.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has previously put in place initiatives aimed at addressing root-causes of lost containers, preventing such incidents and assisting in their investigation, issuing guidelines on stowage.
Under the amendment to SOLAS Chapter V, the master of a ship involved in the loss of containers is required to promptly report the incident to other ships in the vicinity, the nearest coastal State and the flag State. Once informed, the Flag State must report the incident via the IMO’s Global Integrated Shipping Information System.
An initial report can be prepared even if all required elements are not available at the time of the incident and the master must update the report with all required information at the earliest opportunity.
The number – or estimated number – of lost containers shall be verified through inspection, and a message marked as ‘final’, containing this verified number, shall be sent to the same recipients.
Under SOLAS Chapter V, if a ship is not involved in a loss incident but observes containers adrift at sea, the master of the ship shall also communicate the details by the appropriate means without delay and to the fullest extent possible to other ships in the vicinity and the nearest Coastal State.
Shipowners, operators, and ship masters need to be aware of the mandatory reporting requirement of the loss of containers and to initiate the review and updating of applicable Safety Management Systems to incorporate the new reporting obligations. They should also ensure that the crew is adequately trained to respond effectively in the event of a container loss or its observation at sea.
