Shipping containers have become the backbone of the global trade system. These steel containers are used to transport commodities by ships, trains, and trucks. They are a key part of infrastructure as they have made it possible for commodities to be transported from one part of the world to another. In short, they enable global trade on a scale that would not be possible without them. The reports see the number of container ships has grown from year to year. The growing number of container ships corresponds to the growing demand for seafaring trade and the increasing number of containers getting lost at sea.
How many shipping containers get lost at sea every year?
So how many shipping containers get lost at sea every year? According to a report by the World Shipping Council, the yearly rate sees an approximate total of thousands of shipping containers get lost at sea.
What causes shipping containers to get lost at sea?
Shipping containers can fall overboard due to a range of causes. The leading causes are storms, heavy waves, and rough seas. In some cases, the failure of lashing and securing of containers that have been loaded on deck are the cause of severe incidents. In other cases, it might be the improper packing of cargo that presents the risk of container loss. In addition to the failure of securing the loaded containers, the unbalanced distribution of container stacks may cause them to fall overboard and get lost at sea.
Can shipping containers stay afloat?
Shipping containers are designed to be watertight and able to withstand the harsh conditions of the ocean. However, if a shipping container falls overboard, it may not necessarily float. This is because the container may become waterlogged or otherwise compromised, causing it to sink. Additionally, the weight of the cargo inside the container can also cause it to sink. In general, the ability of a shipping container to float after falling overboard will depend on a variety of factors, including the condition of the container, the weight of its cargo, and the sea conditions at the time of the incident.
What are the costs of shipping containers to get lost at sea?
The thousands of containers lost at sea every year present a financial loss of millions of dollars in value. However, the cost of shipping containers that are lost at sea can vary depending on a range of factors. They might be the value of the cargo inside the containers or the cost of the containers themselves.
In general, the loss of a shipping container can be a significant financial burden for shipping line companies, as they may be liable for replacing the lost containers and their contents. Equally important, the loss of a shipping container can also result in delays and other disruptions to the shipping company’s operations, which can further add to the overall cost of the incident.
What’s more, the containers that fall overboard pollute the ocean environment by adding hazardous waste as well as posing threats to human life, particularly the crews of container ships.
To conclude, the total of containers lost at sea each year does not appear to be decreasing any time soon. However, several measures can be implemented to lower the number of incidents. Some of the measures are properly securing container stacks by using proper lashing and securing equipment. Another measure is the installation of weather forecasting and routing technology that will help the Master of the ship avoid areas with rough seas and storms. In addition to the installation of such applications, using stabilizers can minimize the ship’s roll and pitch, thereby lowering the risks of container loss at sea.
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