The 2025 Future of Maritime Safety Report from Inmarsat Maritime highlights a concerning rise in distress calls at sea, underscoring the vital role of human factors in maritime safety. With GMDSS calls increasing, the report emphasizes the need for prioritizing seafarer welfare amid challenges like geopolitical tensions, severe weather, and rapid technological changes.
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released a report on the tragic sinking of the fishing vessel Argos Georgia near the Falkland Islands, resulting in 13 fatalities. The investigation identified a malfunctioning shell door as the primary cause, allowing water to flood the trawler and lead to its eventual sinking.
A recent Safetec survey reveals that efficiency demands threaten seafarer safety, with 26% of 30,000 respondents admitting to bypassing safety procedures due to company pressures. Additionally, 20% feel their adherence to safety goes unrecognized, highlighting a critical need for shipping companies to prioritize safety over efficiency to ensure a secure working environment.
A joint report from the ITF Seafarers’ Trust and the World Maritime University reveals troubling trends in seafarers’ shore leave. Over a quarter report no shore leave during contracts averaging 6.6 months, while one-third go ashore only once or twice. Urgent action is needed to prioritize crew well-being and improve retention.
The NTSB report emphasized navigation hazards in the area, noting the captain’s unfamiliarity with local warnings despite his claims of frequent passage. He failed to steer towards a crucial buoy, opting instead for murky waters at high speed. Consequently, he faced penalties for reckless operation, highlighting maritime safety’s critical nature.
A recent report by Sailors’ Society reveals the alarming prevalence of bullying and harassment at sea, with active seafarers facing such behavior up to ten times more than non-seafarers. The report highlights the disproportionate impact on female cadets and LGBTQ+ individuals, urging the maritime industry to foster a safer, more inclusive environment.
During the 2025 International Day of the Seafarer in Accra, Captain Georgina Jopap urged seafarers to report harassment, emphasizing the toxic atmosphere created by bullying. She advocated for understanding rights onboard and called for confidential reporting channels. Captain Catherine Haizel and Lawyer Francis Bebuksi supported these initiatives, promoting a safer maritime environment.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported on the grounding of the barge Tom Frazier near Portsmouth, Ohio, on February 10, 2024. The vessel struck submerged structures while maneuvering, causing extensive damage and a flooding incident. Fortunately, all nine crew members were safely evacuated during the emergency.
The Bahamas Maritime Authority’s investigation report details a tragic incident involving a crew member who fell onto a lashing platform between lifeboats while the vessel was docked. Despite immediate medical assistance, he succumbed to severe injuries. The report highlights lapses in safety protocols, particularly the lack of fall protection gear during drills.
A new report by Lloyd’s Register, unveiled at the UN Ocean Conference 2025, emphasizes that proactive measures for marine biodiversity can enhance operational efficiency and attract commercial incentives. The Shipping Biodiversity Report provides guidance for shipowners and policymakers, highlighting the risks of poor environmental practices and the benefits of sustainable technologies.
The sinking of the MSC Elsa-3 off Kerala’s coast has raised alarms over maritime safety. Captain Naveen Singhal attributed the disaster to improper container loading, leading to stability issues. He emphasized the risks of under-declared container weights, urging for improved verification methods to prevent such hazardous incidents in the future.
The Canadian Marine Careers Foundation’s “Canadian Seafarers Pathway Study” reveals significant labor shortages in marine transportation. By 2029, domestic vessel operators need to recruit 8,300 workers—over 30% of the current workforce—to meet demand and offset retirements. Julia Fields emphasizes the sector’s vital role in Canada’s economy.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) reported on the July 2022 incident involving the bulk carrier Portland Bay, which nearly ran aground off Sydney. The vessel lost engine power while carrying heavy fuel oil, raising significant environmental concerns. Coordination issues and communication failures hampered the emergency response efforts.
A new report, “Getting to Zero Coalition Action Framework,” details industry efforts to decarbonize shipping, published by the Global Maritime Forum. It evaluates progress on 26 actions towards achieving full decarbonization by 2050, highlighting advancements from 76 companies in areas like policy engagement and market incentives for zero-emission shipping.
The Global Maritime Forum’s inaugural Impact Report highlights efforts to create a greener, fairer maritime industry in 2024. Key achievements include promoting green shipping corridors and engaging industry leaders in decarbonization strategies. The report also emphasizes seafarer well-being and maritime transparency, showcasing a commitment to sustainability in global trade.
