Hidden risks at sea: why proper container packing matters

Captain Harshvardhan Kumar, of Charles Taylor, warns of the importance of proper packing when it comes to cargo for journeys in bad weather

In July 2025 the Evergreen-operated vessel Ever Feat encountered a severe storm and heavy swells while sailing off the coast of southern Brazil. Rough seas caused 30 to 40 containers to be crushed, dislodged or left precariously overhanging the deck. Some of the affected containers carried fertiliser, raising concerns not only about cargo losses but also about the handling of hazardous materials and potential environmental consequences. Experts believe that the heavy rolling and pitching in rough seas placed extreme stress on the container stacks.