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What happens when ships lose containers at sea? Maritime transport that moves 80% of world trade

Written by Rafaela Fabris
Published 29/03/2024 às 20:01
What happens when ships lose containers at sea? Maritime transport that moves 80% of world trade
Photo: Disclosure/Navy Productions

The phenomenon of containers lost at sea by ships has serious economic and environmental consequences, highlighting the need for technological advances and global strategies to prevent incidents in maritime transport, responsible for 80% of world trade.

In the world of maritime transport, responsible for moving 80% of global trade, ships play a vital role. It's in the belly of these gigantic vessels that accommodate containers loaded with goods varied, essential for global supply. But what happens when these containers, comparable in size to a three-axle trailer, break off and fall into ocean waters?

Modern container ships, with capacities reaching an impressive 24 thousand TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units), represent the evolution of the old flat-bottomed vessels used on rivers, now facing the challenges of the open seas. The occurrence of containers lost at sea, although rare, has significant consequences not only for shipping companies and cargo owners, but also for the marine environment.

More than 1.300 containers fall from ships into the sea every year

It is estimated that approximately 1.300 containers are lost at sea annually. This phenomenon not only represents a considerable financial loss, due to high recovery costs, but also poses environmental risks. The sinking of these containers can damage sensitive ecosystems such as coral reefs, as well as potentially releasing toxic substances into the marine habitat.

The increasing frequency of lost containers has driven the development of an industry specializing in their recovery. In Australia, for example, companies use ships equipped with advanced technology to locate and rescue these containers from the bottom of the sea. The process involves using submersibles and aquatic robots to attach containers to lifting devices, allowing them to be safely removed.

But why do containers fall?

Bridge collapses after cargo ship collides in US
Bridge collapses after cargo ship collides in US

In addition to recovery initiatives, there is an ongoing effort to understand the causes that lead to containers falling off ships and, consequently, prevent such incidents. Institutions such as the Netherlands Maritime Research Institute are at the forefront of this investigation, employing computer simulations and scale models to analyze the conditions that favor container loss.

The results of these studies indicate that, in addition to adverse weather conditions, the mechanics of securing containers on container ships can be a critical factor. Frequently used hook systems can become vulnerable to vibrations and stresses caused by the movement of the ship, leading to the eventual detachment of containers.

Commitment of shipping companies

In the United States, the Coast Guard plays a crucial role in preventing these incidents by monitoring and inspecting ships to ensure safe navigation and the integrity of cargo. International collaboration and the commitment of shipping companies to improve their practices are key to reducing container loss and, by extension, protecting marine ecosystems.

Finally, the issue of containers lost at sea is multifaceted, involving economic, logistical and environmental aspects. Advancing recovery techniques and research to improve maritime transport safety are vital steps to mitigating this problem and ensuring the sustainability of global maritime operations.

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Rafaela Fabris

Talks about innovation, renewable energy, oil and gas. Updates daily on opportunities in the Brazilian job market.

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