Update 16 Sep 2026, 18:34 UTC:
In a recent report released by the World Shipping Council (WSC), it was revealed that more than one in ten inspected cargo units were found with safety deficiencies in 2025. The inspection data, which covered 93,079 cargo transport units from seven participating countries, identified a deficiency rate of 10.36%. This statistic underscores persistent issues regarding the adequacy of cargo declaration, packing, and securing protocols.
The range of safety deficiencies included factors such as incorrect documentation, improper marking and labeling, and inadequate cargo securing methods. These shortcomings can lead to various catastrophic outcomes, including damaged cargo, lost containers overboard, and fires during transport.
The State of Cargo Safety
Joe Kramek, the President and CEO of WSC, expressed concern over the reported deficiency rate, emphasizing that safety obligations surrounding correct cargo declaration and packing are fundamental. “Finding deficiencies in more than one in ten inspected units is far too high,” Kramek stated. His comments reflect the ongoing challenges the industry faces as improper packing practices and misdeclared cargo continue to pose significant risks to maritime safety.
The percentage of cargo units with deficiencies has fluctuated in recent years. While the 2025 figure shows a slight improvement from the previous year’s rate of 11.39%, it indicates a concerning trend where rates have remained above 10% for three of the past five years, especially in comparison to lower rates seen in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Concerns Over Undetected Hazards
The ongoing risk of container fires, particularly those linked to misdeclared cargo, has garnered mounting scrutiny within the industry. A recent study by Allianz Commercial revealed that a fire aboard a container ship occurs globally once every 17 days, underscoring the critical nature of this issue. Misdeclared items, especially hazardous materials like chemicals and lithium-ion batteries, further complicate firefighting efforts and the safety of crew members. With the increasing prevalence of lithium-ion battery shipments, which can ignite uncontrollably, proper stowage and documentation become vital for ensuring maritime safety.
The 2025 inspection data was provided to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) by Chile, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, South Korea, Sweden, and the United States. This limited reporting raises significant concerns regarding global compliance, with only seven of the IMO’s more than 170 member nations contributing their inspection results. Kramek noted the importance of broader reporting to identify risks and support effective regulatory actions.
WSC has taken the initiative to consolidate and release inspection findings following the IMO’s discontinuation of its annual report in 2024. The organization has also launched a Cargo Safety Program designed to proactively identify misdeclared or undeclared dangerous cargo before it reaches ships through the use of advanced screening technologies and standardized inspection procedures.
The Operational Read
The reported 10.36% deficiency rate emphasizes the ongoing challenges within the shipping industry related to cargo safety. Failure to adhere to correct packing and securing practices not only jeopardizes cargo integrity but also poses life-threatening risks to crews at sea. The ongoing concerns regarding hazardous materials, particularly lithium-ion batteries, demand immediate attention from all stakeholders involved in cargo transport. Furthermore, the insufficient reporting from member states highlights a gap in compliance and enforcement, which must be addressed to improve industry-wide safety standards. Moving forward, it will be vital for industry players to prioritize proper cargo management practices and for regulatory bodies to enhance inspection and compliance efforts across the globe.
