Maritime Safety Report Highlights Rising Casualty Incidents

Maritime casualty incidents have seen a significant increase over the past six years, as revealed in DNV’s latest report. The data shows a 42% rise in incidents between 2018 and 2024, far surpassing the 10% growth in the global fleet during the same period.

The report, based on Lloyd’s List Intelligence data, indicates that machinery damage and failure are the primary concerns, accounting for 60% of all cases in 2024, a substantial increase from a decade ago.

Age plays a crucial role, with ships over 25 years old responsible for 41% of reported incidents in 2024. Vessels in this age category also contributed to 45% of machinery-related failures.

DNV Maritime CEO Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen attributes this trend to market conditions, stating that the surge in freight rates led many shipowners to delay scrapping older vessels, thereby increasing risks to seafarers, cargo, and the environment.

Despite record-high freight rates and regulatory uncertainties, the reluctance to retire aging vessels persists due to limited shipyard capacity and high building costs. This has resulted in owners maintaining existing assets instead of investing in newbuilds.

The report also highlights a concerning increase in fire and explosion incidents, as well as a rise in war loss casualties due to geopolitical tensions. However, positive trends include a decrease in casualties from collisions, groundings, and sinkings compared to 2014 levels.

Øystein Goksøyr, Head of Department Safety, Risk, and Systems at DNV Maritime, emphasizes the need for thorough risk assessments in the development of new technologies to enhance safety outcomes. Integrating the human element alongside technological advancements and updating safety protocols are crucial steps in mitigating future risks.

While fleet renewal remains the long-term solution, DNV recommends immediate measures such as more frequent maintenance schedules and equipment upgrades to improve vessel safety without compromising crew safety or environmental protection.

For more insights, you can access the full report here.