Standardized Procedure for Reporting the Loss of Containers

The international shipping arena is unpredictable. Losing containers at sea is more than an operational issue—it’s a matter of navigational safety, pollution, and the stability of global supply chains. Nearly 3,000 containers were lost at sea in 2020–2021, prompting immediate action.

At IMO MSC 108, SOLAS Chapter V Regulations 31 and 32 were amended. Effective January 1, 2026, all container losses must be reported, setting a new standard for maritime safety and environmental protection.

Why Container Losses Demand a Standardized Response

• 226 million containers moved annually
• Thousands still lost at sea each year
• Some carry dangerous goods (DGs); others pose navigation hazards even if empty

Previously, SOLAS required reporting only if danger existed. MARPOL applied only to DGs. The grey area persisted. The new amendments to SOLAS V and MARPOL Protocol I close that gap: all container losses must be reported.

Key Proposals in the Amendment

1. Mandatory Reporting for All Losses

   • Applies to losses and sightings (e.g., drifting containers)

2. Unified Reporting Format

   • Date/time, ship identity, container ID, cargo description
   • Last known position, drift direction, weather data, pollution visibility
   • Use of shipboard detection systems

3. Dual Reporting

   • Initial report to nearest coastal state
   • Follow-up to flag state and entry into GISIS

4. Integration with Detection Systems

   • Encourages electronic, visual, or mechanical real‑time detection

What This Means for Compliance Teams

• Shift from reactive to proactive compliance
• Increased documentation and real‑time reporting
• Higher scrutiny during audits and Port State Control

Digital platforms will be essential:

• Instant incident reports via templates
• Real‑time tracking of submissions
• Auto‑suggestions from manifests and sensor data

Environmental, Legal & Operational Implications

• Environmental: Microplastic contamination, DG leakage, long‑term impact
• Legal: Stronger enforcement under Nairobi Wreck Removal Convention
• Operational: Heightened due‑diligence pressure, rise of third‑party TIC certification

Non‑compliance risks fines, flags, and reputation damage. Proactive alignment builds trust with insurers, auditors, and partners.

How Platforms Like Navirego Enable Seamless Integration

Navirego’s platform is designed for this evolving compliance landscape by:

• Transforming complex regulations into searchable workflows
• Enabling natural‑language queries (e.g., “Must I report an overboard DG container?”)
• Providing standardized templates aligned with SOLAS & MARPOL amendments
• Offering alerts, training aids, and compliance dashboards

Navirego ensures teams stay on top of regulations rather than reacting to them. In a world where container loss incidents are only rising, proactivity is the new compliance.

Ready to stay ahead?

Navirego is helping maritime operators embrace this shift with intelligent workflows, real-time document insights, and compliant-by-design reporting modules.

Talk to us today and turn regulatory compliance into a competitive edge.