More than one in ten cargo transport units inspected during 2025 had safety deficiencies, according to data published by the World Shipping Council (WSC).

Government authorities in seven countries reported 93,079 unit inspections in 2025 and identified deficiencies in 9,645, a rate of 10.36%. Problems included incorrect documentation, marking and labelling, improper packing and inadequate cargo securing, all of which can increase the risk of cargo damage, container losses and ship fires.

“Finding deficiencies in more than one in ten inspected units is far too high,” said Joe Kramek, President and CEO of the World Shipping Council. “Correct declaration, packing, securing and marking are fundamental safety obligations. When these requirements are not met, people’s lives are put at risk.”

The report consolidates information submitted to the International Maritime Organization by Chile, Finland, Germany, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, Sweden and the United States.

WSC took on the consolidation and publication of the results after the IMO discontinued its annual consolidated report in 2024, keeping this important safety information accessible to governments and industry.