Boxship lines say the number of containers lost at sea is falling.
But additional measures are needed to bring the number "as close to zero as possible," according to World Shipping Council (WSC) president and chief executive John Butler.
The number of containers lost at sea averaged 779 for the three years between 2017 and 2019.
That is down from 1,390 in the preceeding three-year period.
The reduction follows the introduction of stricter controls designed to ensure proper packing, stowage and securing of containers.
But Washington-based WSC argues that additional measures are needed to reduce the numbers further.
These include regulatory measures to govern container stacking, the mandatory reporting of containers lost at sea, and the inspection of containers prior to shipment.
Survey
The WSC figures are included in an updated survey into container losses for the 12-year period from 2008 to 2019.
An average of 1,382 containers were lost at sea each year over the period, half of which are attributable to a limited number of major incidents.
The lowest losses were recorded in the three-year period from 2008 to 2010 when an average of 675 containers went missing.
The average figure spiked to 2,683 per year for the subsequent three years.
However, that statistic is skewed by the loss of the 8,110-teu MOL Comfort (built 2008) with all of its 4,293 boxes in 2013.
“The industry is encouraged by the declining trend line indicated in the latest report and continues to work on solutions that will bring the number of containers lost at sea each year to as close to zero as possible,” Butler said.
Valued at more than $4trn
There are more than 6,000 ships carrying containers around the world at any point in time, according to WSC estimates.
Last year, the liner industry transported approximately 226m containers, with transported cargo valued at more than $4trn, it said.
Outstanding issues under discussion include addressing regulatory discrepancies relating to container stacking strength requirements.
In addition, the WSC is backing a European Union proposal to introduce mandatory reporting of containers lost at sea.
It also argues for a revision of IMO guidelines for the inspection programmes of cargo transport units, including containers.
