One in three containers shipped today is empty, up from one in four before the pandemic

New data from Sea-Intelligence confirms a concerning shift in global logistics, revealing that one in three containers shipped today is empty, a significant rise from the pre-pandemic ratio of one in four. This surge in repositioning empty boxes, measured in teu-miles, reflects deepening trade imbalances impacting major hubs like the Port of Shanghai and the Port of Los Angeles. As container ships face these inefficiencies, the operational strain on global supply chains continues to challenge maritime logistics and fleet planning.

From a regulatory perspective, the movement of empty containers must strictly adhere to the IMO’s International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code and SOLAS Chapter VI, Regulation 2, which mandates the proper securing of cargo units. While empty containers do not carry cargo, they must still comply with structural integrity requirements under the Convention for Safe Containers (CSC). Compliance departments must ensure that empty units are correctly stowed to maintain vessel stability and prevent shifting during heavy weather, as improper handling can lead to severe safety violations and potential port state control detentions.

For navigating officers and masters, the high volume of empty containers necessitates heightened vigilance regarding vessel stability calculations and ballast management. Navigating officers must account for the increased windage area created by empty stacks, which significantly affects ship handling during port maneuvers. Masters should ensure that all lashing gear is inspected for wear, as the frequent loading and discharge of empty units increases the risk of mechanical fatigue in securing systems.