Ports

Container Safety Failures Persist at Ports Globally

Safety deficiencies continue plaguing containerized cargo operations. More than one in 10 inspected units failed compliance checks last year, according to the World Shipping Council. Authorities identified 9,645 safety violations across 93,079 inspected containers, trailers and ro-ro units at ports throughout 2025. The deficiencies included incorrect documentation, improper marking and labelling, faulty cargo securing and inadequate packing—all factors that heighten risks of cargo damage, container losses and vessel fires. Incorrect container marking and placarding represented nearly half of all violations at 46%, while cargo stowage problems accounted for 26% of deficiencies. The failure rate, while slightly improved from 2023-2024 levels, remains dangerously elevated. WSC leadership emphasized that proper declaration, packing, securing and marking are fundamental safety requirements whose violation endangers lives at sea.