A recent report from DNV highlights a concerning trend in the maritime industry, attributing an increase in incidents to an ageing fleet. Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV Maritime, emphasized that the surge in freight rates prompted many shipowners to postpone the scrapping of older vessels.
This decision has raised safety risks for seafarers, cargo, and the environment. To counter these challenges, Ørbeck-Nilssen urges the industry to take decisive action to enhance safety standards.
Key recommendations include upgrading fire suppression systems, enforcing stricter maintenance protocols, improving seafarer training, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Additionally, he stresses the importance of permitting adequate rest and shore leave for seafarers.
The report also reveals alarming statistics, such as a 42% increase in fire and explosion incidents over the last four years. The passenger and ferry segments have experienced the highest number of casualty incidents during this time frame.
Moreover, geopolitical instability has greatly affected maritime safety, with war-related casualty incidents rising from 12 in 2023 to 51 in 2024. On a more positive note, the report indicates a 26% decrease in casualties resulting from collisions, groundings, and sinkings when compared to 2014 levels.
Though there was a minor increase in contact-related incidents in 2023 and 2024, the overall accident-based casualty figures remain significantly lower than in previous years. Øystein Goksøyr, Head of the Department of Safety, Risk, and Systems at DNV Maritime, suggests that thorough risk assessments are essential as new technologies develop, particularly in areas lacking regulation.
He emphasizes that integrating human factors with technological progress is vital for enhancing safety outcomes, underscoring the need for updated protocols and improved crew training.