A podcast episode from September 9, 2025, discusses the TopTier joint industry project, which is investigating the causes of container loss at sea. The episode features Jos Koning, a naval architect and Senior Project Manager at MARIN (Maritime Research Institute Netherlands), who has a long career researching the behavior of ships and floating structures.
The Problem of Container Loss
The episode highlights the growing concern of container loss at sea, a problem that has persisted even as container ships have dramatically increased in size. Koning notes the evolution of container vessels from around 5,000 CTU (container units) in the late 1990s to the current mega-ships that can carry up to 24,000 CTU. The TopTier project aims to identify the root causes behind these incidents, which can include weather conditions, ship behavior in waves, and cargo securing practices.
Mitigating Actions and Industry Standards
The discussion explores potential actions that could be taken to mitigate container loss. This includes a review of current standards and regulations to see if they can be changed to better reflect the realities of modern, ultra-large container vessels. The episode considers how various stakeholders—including maritime authorities, shipping companies, and the broader industry—can work together to adopt new practices and enhance safety. The focus is on translating research findings into practical, real-world solutions.
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Source: TT Club
