Carriage of Cargoes and Containers at the IMO.

The IMO’s sub-Committee on the Carriage of Cargoes and Containers met in London between 8 and 12 September 2025.

The World Shipping Council (WSC) submitted data, based on their members’ reports, that 2024 saw 576 containers lost at sea, out of approximately 250,000,000 carried.  This represents just 0.00023% of containers carried. This annual total is a marked increase from the 221 containers lost in 2023 but is below the 10-year average of 1,274 containers lost per year. The WSC report noted that part of the increase (34% of the 2024 total) can be attributed to the 191% increase in Cape of Good Hope container ship transits, following hostilities in the Red Sea.

Further 2024 sample data regarding shipping container inspections showed that a total of 77,688 units were inspected by 7 Flag Administrations. A total of 8,850 units were found to be deficient, representing 11.39% of sampled containers.  The most common inspection deficiency was the placarding and marking of CTUs (Cargo Transport Units), representing 4,373 units, or 5.6% in this sample. In addition, the marking and labelling of packages were deficient in 804 inspected units, representing 1% of inspected units. Serious structural deficiencies were found in 192 inspected units, representing 0.25% of the overall sample.

We were proud to co-sponsor a paper regarding the hazards associated with the fumigation of cargoes. Based on 31 separate instances since 2008, resulting in 46 deaths of seafarers and stevedores, the sub-Committee gave their overwhelming support to a proposed review of this matter. 

The Nautical Institute will continue to work with interested Flag States and other parties to guide the commissioning of a review with appropriate terms of reference.

The sub-Committee was chaired by Mr David Anderson of Australia. The Nautical Institute was represented by Captain Chris O’Flaherty AFNI and Mr Nicholas Iodice AFNI.