New IMO Framework on Reporting Lost Containers at Sea Effective 01st January 2026.

New mandatory IMO requirements governing the reporting of freight containers lost at sea will come into effect on 1 January 2026, introducing a uniform global framework to enhance navigational safety, environmental protection, and the traceability of drifting or lost containers.

The amendments those which have been adopted by the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee through revisions to SOLAS Chapter V (Regulations 31 and 32) and Article V of MARPOL Protocol I, require the immediate reporting of any container loss or any sighting of drifting containers. These rules apply to all ships carrying containers and to any ship that observes containers afloat.

Under the new provisions, the Master must report without delay to nearby vessels, the nearest coastal State, and the flag Administration. Each report must include essential details such as the position of the incident, the number of containers lost or observed, involvement of dangerous goods, and any relevant supplementary information including weather, sea conditions, and cargo particulars when available. A follow-up report is required once the total number of lost containers has been verified. Flag States will subsequently relay this data to the IMO through a dedicated module in GISIS.

If the ship is abandoned or unable to report, the company (as defined in SOLAS IX/1.2) shall assume the reporting obligations.

Regulation V/32 – Information Required in Danger Messages –

For container losses, the report shall include:

• Type of report: Loss of freight container(s) from a ship

• Ship’s identity (IMO number/Name/Call Sign/MMSI), time (UTC), and position of the incident (actual, estimated or discovered).

• Number or estimated number of containers lost

• Whether dangerous goods are involved (including UN number, if known)

• Description of containers (e.g., size, type, whether empty)

• Any additional relevant information such as cargo spill, weather, sea state and estimated drift.

• A follow-up report shall be sent once the number of lost containers is verified, clearly marked as “final”.

• For observations of drifting containers, similar information shall be reported, but in this instance as type of report “Observation of freight container(s) drifting at sea

MARPOL Protocol I – Article V –

Adopted via Resolution MEPC.384(81), the following amendment aligns MARPOL with SOLAS:

A new paragraph requires that reports of container loss must be made in accordance with SOLAS

Regulations V/31 and V/32.

Actions Required:

Ahead of the implementation date, shipowners and operators are expected to:

• Update Safety Management Systems (SMS) to reflect the new reporting duties.

• Train bridge teams on procedures under SOLAS V/31 and V/32.

• Review and strengthen communication protocols with coastal and flag authorities.

• Maintain systems for logging, tracking, and verifying container loss data to ensure accurate reporting.

• Recent industry figures highlight both progress and continued urgency: in 2023, only 221 containers were reported lost out of more than 250 million transported, the lowest level recorded since 2008. Even so, each loss represents a potential hazard, reinforcing the need for mandatory, standardised, and timely reporting.

These measures also introduce aligned amendments within MARPOL, ensuring consistent reporting procedures across both safety and pollution-prevention conventions. The IMO’s initiative reflects growing global emphasis on preventing navigational hazards and reducing environmental risks associated with unreported container losses.

These new IMO requirements mark a significant step forward for maritime safety, supporting faster response actions and improved protection of the marine environment.

Team Maverick