What Happens to the Containers Dropped by Cargo Ships?

Our seas are full of thousands of containers lost by cargo ships in severe weather conditions. So, what happens to these giant metal boxes on their journey full of water?

Maritime history is full of many dramatic events caused by severe weather conditions. cargo ships, In these conditions, hundreds and sometimes even thousands of containers can be lost. However, the secret of these lost containers is still a matter of curiosity for many people.

According to data from the World Maritime Council, every year average 1,500 containers This is how it disappears. So what happens after it disappears?

While it may seem logical at first glance to think that a standard 12-foot container can float, the reality is much more complicated.

It takes 69 cubic meters of water to sink these containers and weighing more than 70 tons must have. This is well above the weight limit imposed by any point in the transport chain.

Of course a container probability of sinking intact and without damage quite low. It may cause a large hole by hitting other containers or even the ship itself, or even if it exits the ship intact, the movement of the cargo inside may begin to cause damage.

container floating in the sea

Going back to our topic; The answer to this question is Containers will eventually sink. Of course, these metals may sink and damage the ocean ecology.

Average of 12,000 containers Isn’t it a scary situation considering it’s deep in the ocean?

Containers are designed to be airtight, not watertight.

container floating in the sea

Generally they are good for keeping the weather out but They were not designed for swimming. As soon as they fall, door seals will begin to deteriorate and even the smallest holes will begin to receive water. Therefore, instead of looking at the container as a closed unit, it actually provides buoyancy We need to take it into consideration.

The only way it can stay afloat for long periods of time is if it contains a cargo with enough buoyancy.

container floating in the sea

If this possibility comes true, yacht captains will probably called UFO We may encounter unidentified floating objects, but it should be noted that the probability is quite low.

So we don’t have to worry about containers on the surface because, as we mentioned, it is very unlikely that they will sink. What about those at the bottom of the ocean? What we really need to worry about is very clear…

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