Cargo lost at sea
Just how much cargo is lost at sea? Estimates vary between 2,000 to 10,000 containers every year. Accidents due to human error and natural disasters can happen unexpectedly. Everything that could go on a ship could be lost, from cars to spare parts. Some, however, manage to float to shore, including rubber shoes and rubber ducks. The consequences are not only economic; they are also environmental costs. Oil and dangerous materials are transported by sea, posing serious harm to marine life when spills occur. Piracy is also a possibility and there are fears that pirates and terrorists are teaming up. In the next few posts, we will take a closer look at container shipping.
Image by Xavier Rivera