Preventable container cargo claims now run into ‘many millions’ a year, says maritime expert

Year after year, container ship operators face staggering losses running into many millions of dollars - much of it entirely preventable. 

This is the message from Capt Girish Munjal, Chief Visualiser and Content Director for MarinePALS, who says these recurring incidents are draining the industry’s bottom line.

He says from refrigerated cargo damage to containers lost overboard and mishandled dangerous goods, the same costly mistakes keep repeating, despite clear regulations and available technology. Over the past decade, cargo-related claims on container ships have been dominated by three areas:

·    Refrigerated container cargo claims
·    Containers lost overboard
·    Incidents involving dangerous goods

These are not isolated events - they are repeated patterns that continue to affect lives, ship operations, and profitability. As noted by P&I club analysis - Reefer container claims alone account for nearly 30% of container-related claims, with average individual losses exceeding USD 38,000. 

Container losses overboard have reached alarming levels, averaging more than 2,300 containers lost per year between 2020 and 2022. Dangerous goods incidents, though fewer, have triggered some of the most catastrophic losses in maritime history.

One of the worst examples was the  disaster in 2020, where a ship lost more than 1,800 containers  overboard during severe weather in the Pacific, with losses estimated at over USD 200 million. These losses often come down to the most basic of errors - missed pre-loading checks, failure to follow securing manuals, improper segregation, worn-out lashing gear, or a lack of awareness of early warning signs. 

Capt Munjal adds. “Regulations and procedures exist, but they are only effective if seafarers fully understand and apply them, especially under operational pressure.”

To close this gap between procedure and practice, MarinePALS has released five focused microlearning videos targeting these high-risk areas:

·    IMDG Cargo on Container Ships (two parts)
·    Preventing Container Loss Overboard (two parts)
·    Preventing Claims for Refrigerated Container Cargo

Each video draws on real incident learnings, P&I circulars, company SOPs, and regulatory requirements - delivered in short, engaging formats designed for onboard use.

“MarinePALS isn’t just offering content; it’s delivering practical, real-world solutions that speak directly to those responsible on board,” says Capt Munjal. 

“In doing so, it helps companies reduce losses, raise crew competence, and close the costly gap between knowing and doing - one microlearning at a time.”

MarinePALS is a leader in state-of-the-art micro-learning videos, gaming apps, VR programs, and online mentoring for the maritime sector.