Shipping containers clean-up

A major clean-up operation is ongoing after containers that went overboard from a cargo ship washed up along the West Sussex shoreline. 

The containers came ashore around Selsey, Pagham Harbour and Bognor Regis having fallen from the Baltic Klipper while in the Solent on Saturday 6 December 2025.

West Sussex County Council, Arun District Council and Chichester District Council are leading the co-ordination of the clean-up in West Sussex. 

Environmental management company Ambipar is appointed to lead the clean-up of the waste materials from the beaches and shoreline in the county. 

Specialists in heavy haulage and lifting AR Banks are planning the recovery of container pieces.

Our joint priorities remain public safety and protecting the environment. 

It remains a complex and protracted operation covering 60km of coastline, involving many people, and multiple agencies, organisations and community groups. 

See below for the latest updates.

Main photo credit: Ambipar

12 January: Clean-up teams respond to container washed ashore at Bognor Regis

8 January: More waste collected from West Sussex shoreline as major operation continues

19 December: Progress on recovering waste and shipping containers from West Sussex shoreline

15 December: The clean-up of West Sussex’s shoreline continues 

12 December: West Sussex shoreline clean-up operation continues into the weekend

10 December: Major clean-up operation continues after shipping containers came ashore in West Sussex 

9 December: Update statement regarding shipping containers coming ashore in West Sussex 

8 December: Statement regarding shipping containers coming ashore in West Sussex

To report waste from containers washed ashore in West Sussex, please contact Ambipar directly.

• Call 01202 653 558
• Email marine.response@ambipar.com

To report containers spotted afloat offshore along the coastline, please contact Maritime and Coastguard Agency directly.

If you are planning on heading to the shoreline, please help us by keeping yourself and others safe and enjoy the coast without putting yourself at risk.

• Do not approach any containers or debris from the containers that has been washed ashore and keep children and pets clear too. This is especially the case for new debris washed ashore which may well be unsafe.
• Do not approach, climb on or move remaining container pieces; they may break apart or shift without warning and may contain sharp metal and plastics.
• Keep children and pets away from affected areas.
• Follow signage and instruction from on-site teams.

Volunteers must follow direction from officials on site to ensure everyone's safety, including: 

• Be aware of hazards on the beach including sharp materials such as metal and plastic that can also be heavy and unstable
• Be aware of and stay away from machinery in use on the beach and around the shoreline 
• Be mindful of the tides, currents, tide times and daylight hours and not working longer than it is safe to do so 
• Keep well back from the waterline and do not go into the water 
• Do not work on your own. Buddy up, work in pairs or small teams 
• Wear sensible warm, water-proof and weather-proof clothing and safe, sturdy footwear 
• Do not attempt to climb on rocks or other structures, or retrieve materials that could place you in any kind of danger 
• Wear gloves and make use of equipment such as litter pickers 
• Do not bring young children or pets 
• Do not enter cordoned-off areas 
• Report any hazards or dangers to on-site staff.