Rising Tide of Container Losses Puts Indian Coastline at Risk

As global shipping routes shift and an ageing fleet keeps sailing, the cracks in maritime safety are beginning to show — and India is feeling the impact. From increased container losses to machinery breakdowns and fires at sea, the risks aren't staying offshore. Recent incidents along India's coast echo a global pattern, raising urgent questions: Is our maritime infrastructure ready, or are we bracing for a wave of preventable disasters?

- Titus John

The recently released World Shipping Council's “Containers Lost at Sea 2025” report offers a sobering view of the situation. Globally, 576 containers were lost in 2024 a sharp rise from the record-low 221 in 2023, although still well below the 10-year average of 1,274. A key reason? The drastic shift in shipping routes caused by Red Sea disruptions leading to a 191% increase in transits around the Cape of Good Hope, one of the world’s roughest maritime corridors. Nearly 200 containers were lost in that region alone.

This rerouting has had an unintended domino effect: vessels diverted from their usual paths are now crowding alternative trade corridors, including those brushing along India’s western coast. Increased congestion, combined with monsoon turbulence and insufficient infrastructure readiness, is amplifying the likelihood of accidents.

“Even one container lost is one too many,” says Joe Kramek, President & CEO of the World Shipping Council. His words ring louder in the Indian context, where a fragile balance of old fleets, newer risks, and legacy port systems is increasingly under strain.

A crisis is ageing into view

But containers lost at sea are only one facet of a deeper crisis. According to Lloyd's List Intelligence, maritime casualties rose by 15% in 2024, building on a 7% increase in 2023. This isn't a statistical fluke; it’s a trend six years in the making. Since 2018, global casualties have risen by 42%, while the number of ships has increased by just 10%.