As more ships avoid the Red Sea and sail around South Africa, there has been an uptick in cargo stowage failures and container losses in the harsh waters off the Cape of Good Hope.
In the past few months, several incidents have been reported, leading to environmental damage and endangering other vessels. The challenges of stowing cargo in extreme weather, particularly in the southern hemisphere’s winter, are becoming more apparent, with incidents like container losses and cargo fires on the rise.
Dangerous Waters and Vulnerable Cargo
The unpredictable seas off South Africa have long been known for their extreme conditions—large swells, rogue waves, and confused seas. Recent months have been particularly harsh, resulting in cargo stowage failures that not only damage goods but also pose threats to ship stability, crew safety, and even cause fires. For instance, in a notable incident, bad stowage of lithium-ion batteries resulted in a fire on board, highlighting the risks of improper cargo handling.
Cargo losses can also lead to environmental consequences, especially when items such as plastic nurdles are involved. These losses are not only expensive to clean up but are also a hazard to marine ecosystems and other vessels navigating the waters.
Recent Incidents and Impact
In July and August 2024 alone, nearly 200 containers were lost off the coast of South Africa. The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) has been monitoring the situation closely, noting that the increased ship traffic around the Cape is a key factor. The global shipping industry’s decision to reroute vessels to avoid the Red Sea has inadvertently created more exposure to the perilous conditions around South Africa, and container losses are expected to rise.
Although the World Shipping Council reported a drop in container losses globally in 2023, the increased risks in the South African region mean this trend is unlikely to continue. With more ships braving the Cape’s challenging waters, the likelihood of incidents will remain high.
Other Emerging Concerns
The shift in shipping routes and pressure on freight prices has resulted in a variety of cargoes being loaded onto ships not originally designed for them. This has led to stowage failures, which can result in fires, such as the $10 million fire caused by poorly stowed lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, car carriers are increasingly carrying mixed stows with high and heavy vehicles, which raises risks of cargo collapse.
A significant concern is the lack of adequate port facilities in the region. Should a vessel find itself in distress, finding a port capable of accommodating large container ships remains a challenge. This lack of infrastructure limits the options for ships in need of refuge.
Recommendations for Ships in the Region
To mitigate risks, ships must follow their Safety Management Systems and ensure cargo is properly secured, especially before encountering heavy weather. Lashings should be checked regularly to prevent slackening during the voyage. Crew safety is paramount, and it is crucial that checks are only performed in safe conditions. If cargo is lost or stowage fails, it may be too dangerous for the crew to intervene until conditions improve.
In addition to securing cargo, ships must ensure proper lubrication of engines, as low oil pressure can result in engine shutdowns, leaving ships vulnerable to rolling in heavy seas. Such incidents could lead to catastrophic failures, including lashing breakage and structural damage. Early intervention and external assistance are advised when needed to avoid further complications.
“Vessels spend more time at sea, with more exposure to difficult weather, and we are now starting to see the consequences.”
Positive Developments and Future Measures
The container shipping industry is actively working to improve safety standards. The MARIN TopTier project and discussions at the IMO Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers show a growing focus on addressing these concerns. From January 2026, new mandatory reporting of containers lost at sea will come into effect, a move expected to provide more accurate data on losses. This is seen as a significant step forward in reducing container loss incidents.
