Advancements in SOLAS Regulations: Mandatory Reporting of Containers Lost at Sea
The World Shipping Council (WSC) commends the recent endorsement of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) by the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 108).
Effective January 1, 2026, these amendments will enforce mandatory reporting for all containers lost at sea, establishing a new benchmark for maritime safety and environmental preservation. These updated regulations, specifically altering SOLAS Chapter V Regulations 31 and 32, represent a major step forward in maritime safety and environmental responsibility, as noted by Lars Kjaer, SVP Safety & Security for WSC.
By ensuring immediate and detailed reporting of lost and drifting containers, these changes will improve
navigational safety, enable rapid response actions, and reduce potential environmental hazards.
Regulation 31 – Reporting Requirements for the Ship's Master:
- The Master of a ship that loses containers must promptly and thoroughly report specific details to nearby vessels, the closest coastal state, and the flag State.
- The flag State will then relay this information to the IMO via a new module in the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS).
- Masters of ships that spot drifting containers must report these sightings to nearby vessels and the nearest coastal state.
Regulation 32 – Reporting Specifications:
For Containers Lost at Sea:
- Reports must be submitted as soon as possible, with updates provided as additional information becomes available.
- A final count of lost containers must be verified after a thorough inspection.
- Mandatory information includes the position of the lost containers, the total number lost, and whether any contained hazardous goods. Additional descriptive details are required if feasible.
- Masters may also provide voluntary information about the cargo, sea conditions, and other relevant factors.
For Drifting Containers Observed:
- Reports must include the position and total number of containers observed drifting.
- Additional voluntary details, similar to those for lost containers, can be provided if available.
Since 2008, WSC has proactively collected data from its members on the number of containers lost at sea, in anticipation of these mandatory reporting requirements. This information is regularly published in the Containers Lost at Sea Report and submitted to the IMO, serving as a crucial resource for efforts to enhance container and cargo safety.
The adoption of these SOLAS amendments highlights the IMO’s dedication to advancing maritime safety and environmental stewardship. By mandating detailed and timely reporting, as the WSC has advocated, the maritime community can more effectively tackle the issues associated with lost containers, ensuring safer navigation and the protection of marine environments.
