Global maritime casualties up by 42% between 2018-2024
An ageing fleet is one of the causes of the increase in casualties.
The number of maritime casualty incidents has increased by 42% between 2018 and 2024, a new DNV report said.
In its latest “Maritime Safety Trends 2014-2024 - Preparing for future risks” report, DNV noted that the global fleet grew by just 10% in the same period.
DNV said that the increase in incidents was caused by an ageing fleet and machine damage/failure, highlighting the risks associated to operating older ships.
Based on data provided by Lloyd’s List Intelligence, machinery damage/failure was responsible for the highest number of casualty incidents in all years, accounting for 60% in 2024, up from 38% a decade ago. Cases involving vessels more than 25 years old, meanwhile, accounted for 41%, up from 32% in 2014.
“As freight rates surged in a tonne-miles driven market, many shipowners delayed scrapping older vessels, which put seafarers, cargo and the environment at greater risk,” said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV Maritime.
“The industry must act decisively to improve safety standards amid an ageing fleet. This includes upgrading fire suppression systems, enforcing stricter maintenance, boosting seafarer training, and ensuring regulatory compliance. We must also support seafarers with adequate rest and shore leave,” he added.
