The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted mandatory amendments to SOLAS Chapter V (Regulations 31 and 32) and Article V of MARPOL Protocol I to standardise the reporting of freight container losses at sea.

These changes require Masters to report both the loss and observation of containers without delay, ensuring timely communication with nearby vessels, coastal States, and flag Administrations. The amendments aim to improve navigational safety, environmental protection, and the traceability of lost containers.

Applicability of amendments

The regulations apply to any ship carrying one or more freight containers, or that observes containers lost at sea. The amendments enter into force on 1 January 2026.

Key Amendments

SOLAS Chapter V – Safety of Navigation

Adopted via Resolution MSC.550(108), the following provisions have been introduced:

Regulation V/31 – Danger Messages

• The master of every ship involved in the loss of container(s) shall report the incident without delay to ships in the vicinity, to the nearest coastal State, and the flag State.
• If the ship is abandoned or unable to report, the company (as defined in SOLAS IX/1.2) shall assume the reporting obligations.
• The flag State, once informed, shall report the incident to the IMO via GISIS (Global Integrated Shipping Information System).
• The Master of every ship observing drifting containers is required to report the incident as well to the ships in the vicinity, to the nearest coastal State, and the flag State.

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

Shipowners, ship operators, and ship masters should implement the following:

• Update Safety Management Systems (SMS) to reflect new reporting obligations.
• Ensure bridge teams are trained in the new SOLAS V/31 and V/32 procedures.
• Review and test communication protocols with flag States and coastal authorities
• Implement systems to log and verify container loss data for accurate reporting.
  Source: Lloyd’s Register