CRM
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October 16, 2024
Elevate Your Logistics Strategy with AI-Driven Elyxr CRM
In the dynamic world of logistics, success hinges on delivering the right product, in the right condition...
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October 15, 2024
When we think about global trade, massive cargo ships filled with towering stacks of metal containers likely come to mind. These containers—each the size of a tractor-trailer—transport everyday items like clothes, electronics, and raw materials across the globe. However, not all containers reach their destinations. Thousands fall off ships every year, becoming “ghost cargo” in our oceans.
In this post, we’ll explore why these containers go overboard, the environmental consequences, and new industry regulations that aim to address this growing problem.
Shipping containers can be lost for several reasons, ranging from turbulent weather and navigational challenges to improper stowage and human error. While some accidents involve only a few containers, others result in hundreds going overboard at once, often during violent storms. As ships have grown larger, with the capacity to carry upwards of 20,000 containers, they have also become more vulnerable to these risks.
Jos Koning, a senior project manager at the Netherlands-based MARIN, describes the phenomenon: “On modern big ships, it’s like a high-rise building.” When these large vessels roll in high waves, entire stacks of containers can collapse into the sea. Improper labeling, inaccurate weight declarations, and mismanagement in stowing containers only increase the risk. According to the National Cargo Bureau, nearly 70% of containers carrying dangerous goods fail safety inspections, often due to improper labeling or storage.
While it’s difficult to get exact figures, the World Shipping Council estimates that an average of 1,480 containers were lost each year over the past 16 years. Recent data shows a decline, with 650 containers lost in 2022 and around 200 in 2023. However, these figures only include major shipping companies that are Council members, which account for about 90% of global container traffic. Smaller operators and independent shippers don’t always report their losses, making it hard to gauge the true scale of the issue.
The consequences of container losses extend far beyond the financial value of the cargo. Containers that fall into the ocean often release toxic chemicals, plastics, and other pollutants that pose a severe threat to marine ecosystems. One well-documented example is the X-Press Pearl disaster off the coast of Sri Lanka. The accident released billions of tiny plastic pellets, known as nurdles, along with hazardous substances like nitric acid and lead, which killed marine life and caused lasting damage to local fisheries.
In another incident, debris from containers that fell off the ONE Apus in 2020 washed ashore on the U.S. West Coast and the remote Midway Atoll. These containers had carried a wide range of goods, from electronics to fireworks and even hazardous materials like ethanol. Marine biologists have warned that these “time capsules” left on the seafloor can continue to harm ocean life for decades, if not centuries.
As the shipping industry grapples with the impact of container spills, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has implemented new regulations that will take effect in 2026. These changes mandate that vessels report lost containers to nearby coastal nations and the country where the vessel is registered. While these new rules aim to increase transparency, there are no enforceable penalties, leaving compliance largely voluntary.
To prevent containers from going overboard and improve recovery when they do, the industry is increasingly investing in container tracking technologies. Real-time tracking through GPS and IoT sensors is being implemented to monitor each container’s position, condition, and movement on the ship. Enhanced tracking systems also make it easier to locate and retrieve containers that have fallen into the sea, reducing potential environmental damage.
IoT-enabled tracking systems not only help with real-time positioning but also monitor temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions inside the container, which is particularly important for transporting sensitive goods. By integrating container tracking into their logistics networks, shipping companies can better manage risks and respond quickly if containers are lost.
Beyond tracking, the World Shipping Council and other organizations are researching ways to improve container stacking techniques and minimize accidents. Advanced stacking protocols, coupled with automation technologies, allow for more accurate placement and balancing of container loads, making stacks less susceptible to collapse during high waves or strong winds.
Incorporating these innovations, along with robust tracking, helps make shipping safer and more sustainable. As global trade continues to expand, these measures are essential in minimizing the environmental footprint of the maritime industry and ensuring the safety of goods transported across the seas.
