Shipping Container Structural Failure During Lift
During port lifting operations, a crane was lifting a shipping container using a container spreader.
While suspended, the container suffered major structural failure and split apart, creating a serious risk of falling cargo and debris.
Importantly, the lifting system appeared to remain connected, the load itself failed.
What Went Wrong
- Container structural integrity was lost during lifting.
- Possible previous damage, corrosion or weakened structural members.
- Incorrect or uneven cargo distribution should also be considered.
- Personnel could have been exposed to a major falling-object hazard.
- The exact cause cannot be confirmed from the photograph alone.
Key Lessons Learned
Inspecting the crane and lifting accessories is not enough.
The condition of the load itself must also be considered.
For containers, obvious damage to corner fittings, posts, rails or structural sections should never be ignored.
If unusual distortion, movement or cracking is observed during take-off:
STOP THE LIFT.
Safety Recommendations
- Inspect the container before lifting.
- Check for corrosion, deformation and structural damage.
- Verify container gross weight.
- Maintain a suitable exclusion/drop zone.
- Use a controlled initial lift to identify abnormal behaviour.
- Quarantine questionable or damaged containers for competent assessment.
Incident Source
Safety-learning case based on the supplied photograph. The exact location, date and official cause have not been verified.
Guidance Mapping
● IMO/ILO/UNECE CTU Code – Container condition and safe cargo transport principles.
● LOLER Reg. 8 – Proper planning, supervision and safe execution of lifting operations where LOLER applies.
● PUWER – Suitable and safely operated work equipment where applicable.
Key Point
The crane can be safe.
The spreader can be safe.
But what about the load?
Never assume that because something can be picked up, it is structurally capable of being lifted safely.
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Shipping Container Structural Failure During Lift
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