Yemen Monitor / Newsroom/ Agencies:
The World Shipping Council has reported a significant increase in the number of containers lost at sea this year, totaling 576 out of 250 million containers transported globally.
The report indicated that the rerouting of ships to avoid hostilities in the Red Sea had a direct impact on the increase. Vessels were forced to detour around the Cape of Good Hope, which is known for its harsh weather conditions.
The report noted that 35% of all containers lost this year were in the region surrounding South Africa, with the number of ships using this route rising by 191% compared to 2023.
John Cramick, CEO of the World Shipping Council, stated: “Rerouting commercial operations around the Cape of Good Hope has posed significant challenges for shipping companies on one of the world’s most difficult maritime routes.”
The report highlighted three major incidents between July and September 2024, in which ships operated by CMA CGM and MSC lost a total of 189 containers due to severe weather off the South African coast.
Despite the increase, the report noted that the number remains well below the ten-year average of 1,274 containers lost annually, pointing to an overall improvement in safety rates despite new challenges.
The maritime sector is preparing to implement new regulations requiring mandatory reporting of lost containers starting in 2026, and is working to develop advanced safety programs in collaboration with the International Maritime Organization.
Maritime fires have posed an additional challenge this year, with ships such as the Maersk Frankfurt and Wan Hai 503 experiencing fires that resulted in the deaths of several sailors.
