One in ten inspected cargo units found with safety deficiencies

In 2025, an alarming 10.36% of inspected cargo transport units were found to have safety deficiencies, according to data released by the World Shipping Council. Government authorities in seven countries collectively conducted 93,079 inspections, uncovering 9,645 violations. These issues encompassed incorrect documentation, improper marking and labelling, inadequate packing, and insufficient cargo securing, all of which can escalate the risk of cargo damage, container losses, and ship fires.

Joe Kramek, President and CEO of the World Shipping Council, emphasized that failing to meet these safety obligations endangers lives. The report, compiled by the World Shipping Council after the International Maritime Organization ceased its annual consolidated report in 2024, is crucial for informing governments and industry about safety measures.

However, the lack of reporting from 162 of the IMO's 170 Member States leaves significant gaps in the global safety landscape. Kramek stressed the need for governments to enforce cargo safety rules and the importance of the WSC Cargo Safety Program, which employs shared screening technology, standardized inspections, and operational feedback to prevent the loading of misdeclared and undeclared dangerous goods onto ships.