The World Shipping Council (WSC) has praised the recent amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) adopted by the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee. These new regulations, which will come into effect on 1 January 2026, mandate the reporting of all containers lost at sea, establishing a new standard for maritime safety and environmental protection.
Key Provisions of the New Regulations
Regulation 31 – Reporting by the Master of the Ship:
- The Master of a ship involved in the loss of containers must immediately and comprehensively report specific details to nearby ships, the nearest coastal state, and the flag State.
- The flag State will then forward this information to the IMO through a new module in the Global Integrated Shipping Information System (GISIS).
- Masters of ships that observe drifting containers must report these sightings to nearby ships and the nearest coastal state.
Regulation 32 – Reporting Details:
For Containers Lost at Sea:
- Reports must be made as soon as possible, with updates provided as more information becomes available.
- A final count of lost containers must be confirmed after a thorough inspection.
- Mandatory details include the position of the lost containers, the total number lost, and whether any contained dangerous goods. Additional descriptive information is required if possible.
- Masters can also share voluntary details 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 been proactively collecting data from its members on the number of containers lost at sea in anticipation of these mandatory reporting requirements. This information is published regularly in the “Containers Lost at Sea Report” and submitted to the IMO, providing a valuable resource for enhancing container and cargo safety. The “Containers Lost at Sea Report – 2024 Update” will be released in the coming weeks, containing data for 2023.
“The new regulations, specifically amending SOLAS Chapter V Regulations 31 and 32, mark a significant advancement in maritime safety and environmental protection,” said Lars Kjaer, Senior Vice President of Safety & Security at WSC.
“By ensuring prompt and detailed reporting of lost and drifting containers, these amendments will enhance navigational safety, facilitate swift response actions, and mitigate potential environmental hazards.”
Read More:
- Cost of Shipping Containers from China to the US: A Comprehensive Guide
- The Cost to Ship Containers from China
- Matters concerning the transport of open-top containers
- The Versatility and Advantages of Used 20ft Shipping Containers in Internationa
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