SUPER DRY highlights solutions to tackle cargo moisture and corrosion risks

Corrosion and moisture: Persistent issues in cargo reliability

Corrosion from moisture costs the global economy an estimated $ 2.5 trillion annually, equivalent to approximately 3.4% of the world’s GDP. What is striking is that research shows 15 to 35% of these losses are preventable with the right measures in place.

Where moisture strikes first?

Insurance data paints a clear picture. TT Club reports that two out of three cargo damage claims involve poor packing. Within water damage cases, about a quarter come from containers that already had damage before loading. Coastal origins see more incidents compared to inland loading points, where climate control is often easier.

Inside the container, the real enemy is condensation, often called “container rain”. A single pallet made from green wood can hold more than 10 pounds of water. In a 40-foot container, that can add up to hundreds of liters of moisture being released, which then condenses on the steel walls and drips onto cargo.

Electronics face a double risk

Electronics are even more sensitive. Industry data shows that 20% of device failures are caused by water-related corrosion. Copper and silver connections corrode faster in tropical and marine environments, and even a thin film of water is enough to create leakage currents on circuit boards.

With today’s electronics shrinking in size, components sit closer together. That means it takes less moisture to cause a short circuit or create the kind of “dendrite growth” that bridges connections and burns out equipment.

Practical risk management

The advice from P&I Clubs and insurers has been consistent for years.

• Check containers before loading to make sure they are not already compromised.
• Keep wooden packaging and flooring at the right moisture level.
• Use desiccants on long routes that pass through different climates, or whenever cargo itself generates moisture.

TT Club notes that while 13% of wet damage claims occur in storage, with almost a third tied to flooding, the majority still takes place during the maritime leg. That is where prevention matters most.

Conclusion

Calcium-chloride-based desiccants are highlighted in insurer guidance for climate-sensitive lanes. This is the operating space of Super Dry, providing solutions designed to keep relative humidity below dew-point levels that trigger container rain and corrosion. The result is fewer claims, reduced electronic failures, and extended cargo life that matches exactly the controls insurers and P&I Clubs encourage.

This article was originally published by SUPER DRY.