Overview: New IMO Requirements for Reporting Lost Containers at Sea

Effective January 1, 2026, new amendments to SOLAS Chapter V (Regulations 31 & 32) and MARPOL Protocol I (Article V) will mandate the reporting of containers lost or observed drifting at sea Lloyd’s RegisterWorld Shipping CouncilMFAME.

These changes solidify international efforts to enhance maritime safety, prevent environmental hazards, and improve traceability of lost containers World Shipping CouncilSeatrade Maritime.

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Key Provisions of the New Regulations

Regulation V/31 – Immediate Reporting by the Master

• The ship’s Master must immediately report any container loss or observation of drifting containers to:

  • Nearby vessels

  • The nearest coastal State

  • The Flag State

• If the ship cannot report, the Company assumes reporting obligations Lloyd’s Register.

• The Flag State must forward this information to the IMO via GISIS (Global Integrated Shipping Information System) Lloyd’s RegisterWorld Shipping Council.

Regulation V/32 – Details Required in Reports

• Reports must include:

  • Incident type (lost containers or drifting containers)

  • Ship identity (IMO number, name, call sign, MMSI)

  • Time (UTC) and position (actual, estimated, or discovered)

  • Number or estimated number of containers lost

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

  • Container descriptions (size, type, emptiness, etc.)

  • Any additional relevant context (weather, sea state, cargo spill)

• A follow-up “final” report must be filed after verification of the lost containers Lloyd’s RegisterSeatrade Maritime.

Alignment with MARPOL

• Corresponding amendments in MARPOL Protocol I (Article V) align waste and environmental protocols with SOLAS reporting rules Lloyd’s Register.

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Why This Matters

• Enhances navigational safety by ensuring timely alerts to hazards.

• Supports environmental protection, reducing risks from drifting containers and pollution.

• Strengthens accountability and transparency in the maritime sector through improved traceability.

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Actions for Ship Operators & Masters