IMO Introduces New Container Loss Reporting Requirements at Sea
28.08.2025
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The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved mandatory amendments to Chapter V of the SOLAS Convention (Regulations 31 and 32) and Article V of MARPOL Protocol I. These amendments aim to standardize container loss reporting procedures and will enter into force on January 1, 2026.
Under the new regulations, Masters must immediately report any loss or sighting of containers to nearby vessels, coastal states, and flag administrations. These changes enhance maritime safety, marine environment protection, and effective tracking of lost cargo.
Requirements apply to all vessels carrying containers, as well as ships that spot containers adrift at sea.
Container loss reports must include:
- Report type ("Container loss from vessel")
- Vessel details (number, name, call sign, MMSI), time (UTC), and incident coordinates
- Number (or estimated quantity) of lost containers
- Dangerous goods information (including UN number if known)
- Container descriptions (size, type, loaded or empty)
- Additional details covering cargo spillage, weather conditions, sea state, and estimated drift
Masters must submit a follow-up report marked 'final' once the exact number of lost containers is confirmed.
For reports of containers spotted adrift, a similar report is completed using the type "Container sighting adrift at sea."
Source: IMO
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