World Shipping Council reports 10.36 per cent cargo deficiency rate

The World Shipping Council (WSC) reported that 10.36 per cent of cargo transport units inspected in 2025 contained safety deficiencies. Out of 93,079 units inspected across seven countries, 9,645 were found to have issues.

Identified problems included incorrect or incomplete documentation, marking and labeling faults, unsuitable packing, and insufficiently secured cargo. The WSC also highlighted concerns regarding mis-declared or undeclared dangerous goods, such as chemicals and lithium-ion batteries. These deficiencies can lead to damaged goods, containers being lost at sea, and shipboard fires.

While the 2025 deficiency rate is a decrease from the 11.39 per cent recorded in 2024 and the 11.00 per cent in 2023, it remains significantly higher than the 6.54 per cent recorded in 2019. WSC President and CEO Joe Kramek stated that the rate is “far too high” and emphasized that proper declaration and securing are fundamental safety obligations.

The data was provided by Chile, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, and the United States. The WSC noted that the limited participation—only seven of the more than 170 International Maritime Organisation member states—creates gaps in the global safety picture and hinders consistent risk identification.