Lost Shipping Containers: A Global Problem
Russ Lewis has encountered a peculiar collection of objects on Long Beach Peninsula, Washington, over the years, including Hot Wheels helmets, plastic turkey decoys, and Crocs. The sheer number of mismatched Crocs has raised concerns about their origin. These items are not typical marine debris but remnants of lost commercial shipping containers. As global trade relies heavily on container ships, these large metal boxes can be lost overboard during rough seas. Estimates vary, but experts agree that thousands of containers have plunged into the ocean over the past decade.
Environmental Devastation
The contents of these containers can have devastating consequences for marine ecosystems. The ONE Apus cargo ship spill in 2020 released 54 containers of fireworks, batteries, ethanol, and thousands of Crocs into the Pacific Ocean. Debris washed ashore along thousands of miles of coastline, including Midway Atoll, a wildlife refuge for millions of seabirds. Scientists have documented the long-term impact of a single container found on the seabed in 2004. The container crushed the seafloor, altering water and sediment flow and disrupting the micro-ecosystem. Marine species have been impacted in ways scientists are still discovering.
Human Health Hazards
In 2022, the X-Press Pearl’s cargo fire off Sri Lanka released toxic chemicals, plastic pellets, and dead marine life onto beaches. Volunteers collected thousands of dead fish and endangered sea turtles, their bodies filled with plastics. Cotton bales from the President Eisenhower container spill washed ashore in California, threatening sea life in tidal pools. Baby elephant seals were surrounded by a bale, requiring careful removal by marine mammal specialists.
Challenges in Tracking and Recovery
Estimating the number of containers lost at sea is challenging due to fragmented tracking efforts. The World Shipping Council reports an average of 1,480 containers lost annually, but underreporting is suspected. Lloyd’s List Intelligence suggests the real number is much higher. Most containers eventually sink, with many never recovered. The U.S. Coast Guard has limited authority to enforce container retrieval unless they pose threats to marine sanctuaries or contain hazardous materials.
Navigating Floating Skyscrapers
Modern cargo ships are colossal, with capacities that have doubled in recent decades. While efficient for trade, their immense size increases the risk of container spills. Accidents often result from inaccurate labeling, improper cargo stowage, or harsh weather conditions.
Global Cooperation
The United Nations’ International Maritime Organization has adopted amendments to increase transparency around lost containers. Ships will be required to report losses to coastal countries and authorities in 2026. However, enforcement is a concern.
Floating Hazards and Long-Term Consequences
Lost containers can float for days before sinking, posing hazards to all types of vessels. Sailboat crews have reported abandoning boats after collisions with what are believed to be floating containers. In Sri Lanka, the X-Press Pearl disaster continues to affect fisheries and marine life. It may take generations for long-lived species like sea turtles to recover. Concerns remain about the long-term impact of the thousands of containers lost at sea, with potential detrimental effects on the ocean floor ecosystem and unknown consequences for human health.
