Maritime casualties have surged by 42% from 2018 to 2024, according to DNV’s latest report, significantly outpacing the 10% growth in the global fleet. Analysis of over 2,200 annual incidents since 2021 reveals that machinery damage and failure are the leading causes, accounting for 60% of cases in 2024, up from 38% a decade ago. Notably, vessels older than 25 years were responsible for 41% of incidents, particularly in machinery-related failures.
DNV Maritime CEO Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen attributes this rise to market conditions, where high freight rates have led shipowners to delay scrapping older vessels, thus increasing risks for seafarers and the environment. Factors like record freight rates, uncertainty around emissions regulations, and limited shipyard capacity have further discouraged fleet renewal.
The report also highlights a concerning 42% increase in fire and explosion incidents over the past four years, alongside a rise in war-related casualties from 12 in 2023 to 51 in 2024. However, there was a 26% decrease in casualties from collisions, groundings, and sinkings compared to 2014.
To enhance safety, DNV suggests more frequent maintenance and equipment upgrades, alongside thorough risk assessments and improved crew training, while recognizing that long-term solutions require fleet renewal.
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