Figures reported by the World Shipping Council show that in 2024 there was a large increase in the number of shipping containers lost at sea compared to the previous year. Over 250 million shipping containers were transported in 2024, of these, 576 were lost at sea. 2023 figures were reported as just 221 (a record low).
The increase has been a result of the diversions of container traffic around the Cape of Good Hope, with over 200 of the 576 containers lost in the region, particularly during the severe winter storms in the area.
Around a third of the losses can be attributed to just three different vessels: the CMA CGM Belem (losing 99 containers overboard), the CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin (losing 44) and the MSC Antonia (46 overboard).
Whilst the occurrence of shipping containers being lost at sea is a very minimal risk (0.0002%), insuring cargo is a very straightforward task when you are arranging your shipment with a freight forwarder such as Mercator. We can offer cargo insurance in conjunction with your shipping package, the price of which is worked out as a percentage of the goods value plus the freight cost.
If you are looking for a UK based freight forwarder to handle your shipping tasks, get in touch with our team who will be happy to quote you. Our team is experienced in all modes, sizes and commodities for import and export shipping. You get contact the team by calling (+44) 02392 756 575, emailing sales@mercatorcargo.co.uk or completing the form below and someone will be in touch.
