Last updated: 23 October 2026

Modern cargo ships are built to handle extremely rough seas, and their crews work hard to avoid the worst storms altogether. Still, on long ocean voyages, bad weather is part of life at sea. Here’s what happens to a cargo ship in a storm, and what it feels like as a passenger.

The best way to handle a storm is not to meet it.

• Weather routing: ships receive detailed forecasts and specialist weather routing advice.
• Course changes: captains alter course to stay away from the worst conditions.
• Speed changes: a ship may speed up to outrun a system, or slow down to let it pass.
• Waiting: sometimes ships wait in sheltered water or in port.

Learn how forecasts work in the shipping forecast explained.

Step 2: Preparing the ship

Before heavy weather arrives, the crew prepares:

1. Checking container lashings and securing anything loose on deck
2. Closing watertight doors and hatches
3. Securing the galley, cabins and engine room
4. Restricting access to open decks, including for passengers
5. Adjusting ballast to improve stability

Step 3: Riding it out

• Heading into the waves: ships usually turn their bow at an angle into the waves to reduce rolling.
• Reducing speed to avoid slamming and stress on the hull.
• Watching for parametric rolling: a dangerous rolling motion that large container ships can experience in certain waves. Officers are trained to recognise and avoid it.
• Constant watch: officers monitor conditions on the bridge around the clock.

Can containers fall off ships?

Yes, occasionally. In severe weather containers can be lost overboard, usually from large stacks on deck. Industry figures show this is a tiny fraction of the hundreds of millions of containers shipped each year, and lashing rules and inspections have tightened. Read how container ships are loaded.

What a storm feels like for passengers

• Movement: the ship rolls and pitches, and you may feel the bow rise and fall.
• Noise: creaks, wind and the thud of waves.
• Daily life: meals still happen, but chairs may be tied down and plates kept in non-slip trays.
• Sleep: wedge yourself in with pillows, and keep things stowed.
• Seasickness: many people feel queasy at first. See seasickness on a cargo ship.

Many passengers say a storm at sea is one of the most memorable parts of their voyage, watching waves from the bridge with the officers.

How to avoid rough weather

Choose your season carefully. North Atlantic winters and the Indian Ocean monsoon are the roughest. See best time for cargo ship travel et Voyager à bord d'un cargo, est-ce sans danger ?.

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