Container Ship Suddenly Sinks! How to prevent the damage of goods caused by water ingress?

In international shipping, it is not uncommon for large numbers of containers to fall overboard due to extreme weather or other factors. In such cases, the cargo inside the containers is very likely to get wet and seriously damaged.

In addition, tightly sealed containers may also take on water due to other factors. This depends mainly on weather conditions, length of voyage, cargo packaging, container condition, and cargo sensitivity. The main causes are:

1. Moisture from cargo itself

Moisture or water is brought into the container along with the cargo. Some types of cargo, like wooden furniture, contain inherent moisture or humidity. During transport, this moisture evaporates inside the container, forming water vapor. To prevent condensation from the water vapor, desiccants are often placed inside containers.

2. Condensation inside container

This phenomenon is usually caused by large temperature differences. During overseas transport or storage, containers often experience high temperatures and strong day-night temperature fluctuations. When temperatures change between 0-8°C, humidity can reach up to 98%, leading to condensation. For example, at 30°C air contains 30.4g of water per square meter. When temperature drops from 30°C to 18°C, the water vapor condenses into droplets. In a 40ft container, this can generate 1kg of condensate, causing "container rain".

3. Seawater ingress

Due to the long duration of ocean transport, cargo can sometimes encounter storms or heavy seas. Cargo loaded on deck is especially vulnerable to taking on water. Containers falling overboard suffer the greatest cargo damage from water.

4. Freshwater ingress

This usually happens when the container's roof, side panels, front wall, doors, or door seals are damaged. During rainstorms, rainwater can enter the container through any openings, causing freshwater damage.

Above are some common causes of container water damage. How can we prevent it and avoid risks?

• Insurance coverage

1. Freshwater rain damage

Standard add-on coverage for damage caused by freshwater sources like drinking water, leaking pipes, deck runoff, melted snow, or rain.

2. Risk of sweat and heating

Mainly covers condensation damage. Insures cargo that gets damp or hot during transport due to sudden temperature changes or ventilation system failure, leading to container condensation.

3. W.P.A.

Also called All Risk Marine Cargo Insurance. Basic coverage for ocean freight. Provides compensation for cargo damaged by seawater from storms, accidents, etc. Only covers saltwater damage, not other freshwater damage.

• Preventative measures:

1. Inspect container sealing and dryness before loading.
2. Ensure cargo and loading environment are dry.
3. Reinforce cargo waterproof packaging.
4. Place desiccants inside container, especially for wooden products.



In recent years, container collapse and loss overboard has occasionally occurred due to severe weather or improper loading. To avoid risks of water damage from container loss, in addition to monitoring by shipping lines and dockworkers, sellers are advised to take preventative measures as outlined above. PGS Logistics currently has over 40 self-owned operations centers and service locations worldwide, with over 2,000 overseas agencies worldwide, covering global supply chain services. We remain committed to providing you with professional and diverse logistics solutions.