The Ever Lunar lost around 50 containers whilst anchored and waiting to enter the Port of Callao last week (pictured above). But this happens much more often than we realise.
So have you ever wondered what happens to the thousands of shipping containers lost overboard each year? It’s a significant issue for the maritime and supply chain industries, not to mention our planet’s health.
Sink or Float?
Not all containers sink straight away. While many plunge to the seabed, a significant number, especially those with buoyant cargo or trapped air, can float for weeks. These semi-submerged “steel icebergs” pose a severe navigational hazard, often undetectable by radar until it’s too late.
The Long-Term Environmental Impact.
When a container breaks open, the consequences can be devastating.
* Plastic spills can release millions of individual plastic items, from sneakers to nurdles, that persist in the ocean for centuries.
* Containers carrying industrial chemicals or hazardous materials can poison local marine ecosystems.
* When a container finally sinks, it can crush fragile habitats like coral reefs and seagrass beds.
A Lasting, Unseen Legacy.
On the ocean floor, a container begins its slow decay. While some may become artificial reefs, their anti-fouling paints can leach toxic metals. More often, they become deep-sea debris, a lasting testament to human activity in the most remote parts of our planet.
The issue of lost containers is a critical conversation for those of us in logistics, maritime operations, and sustainability. Improving safety and tracking is not just about protecting cargo; it’s about protecting our oceans.
