On December 25, 2023, the Panama-flagged bulk carrier Genius Star XI experienced two major fires caused by improperly secured lithium-ion battery cargo during severe weather. An NTSB investigation revealed failures in securing equipment, resulting in cargo shifts and thermal runaway in several battery units, highlighting risks in maritime lithium-ion transport.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries defended design flaws in the M/V Dali after the NTSB linked its collision with Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge to electrical failures. The company noted that modifications by the vessel’s operator compromised essential safety systems, leading to operational failures that contributed to the tragic incident resulting in six deaths.
The NTSB has determined that the March 2024 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge was due to an improperly installed wire label, causing electrical failures on the containership Dali. This led to a tragic collision, resulting in six fatalities and significant infrastructure damage, with repair costs projected between $4.3 and $5.2 billion.
A recent ATSB report revealed inadequate safety management during an incident involving the second engineer of the Spirit of Tasmania I. While performing routine maintenance, the engineer fell, sustaining a serious knee injury. The investigation highlighted a lack of defined access routes and insufficient risk assessments, prompting new safety measures by TT-Line.
Maritime investigators are raising alarms about the dangers of free-fall lifeboats after a serious incident involving the bulk carrier Golden Zhejiang. A crew member suffered life-altering injuries when a lifeboat unexpectedly released during a safety check. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada emphasizes the need for improved safety protocols.
The latest Annual DEI in Maritime Review reveals a pressing demand for equitable workplaces among nearly 10,000 surveyed seafarers and shore-based professionals. Key findings highlight the positive impact of DEI training, though gaps persist, particularly for middle managers. The report emphasizes the need for accountability and open dialogue to combat harassment.
The NTSB reported that a loose wire caused a power failure on the cargo ship Dali, leading to a crash into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in March 2024, resulting in six fatalities. Urgent safety assessments of 68 bridges across 19 states are now underway, with significant costs and delays anticipated.
A Marshall Islands–flagged oil tanker, the Talara, reportedly veered toward Iranian waters after three small boats approached it in the Arabian Sea near the UAE, according to UKMTO and Ambrey. Authorities are investigating the “suspicious” incident, with no comment yet from Iran. The tanker was en route to Singapore.
A recent Fastream survey reveals that nearly 10% of senior maritime executives plan to retire within two years, signaling a generational shift in shipping leadership. Alarmingly, only 17% of executives believe their organizations have effective succession plans, highlighting the urgent need for talent development and knowledge transfer in the industry.
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.
