A new report based on data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence reveals a concerning rise in marine casualty incidents, with machinery damage and failure now accounting for 60% of all reported cases in 2024.
The findings highlight the growing operational risks posed by an ageing global fleet and underscore the urgent need for better safety standards, proactive vessel retirement, and enhanced crew training.
Machinery Failures Soar Amid Delayed Scrapping of Old Vessels
Machinery damage and failure have consistently topped the list of marine casualties in recent years, surging to 60% of all incidents in 2024, up from 38% in 2014. The trend is most pronounced in vessels over 25 years old, which accounted for 41% of all incidents—up from 32% a decade ago. As DNV Maritime CEO Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen notes, delays in scrapping older ships during high freight rate periods have increased safety risks for crews, cargo, and the environment.
Alarming Rise in Fire, Explosion, and War-Related Incidents
Fire and explosion incidents have increased by 42% over the past four years, with passenger and ferry vessels among the most affected. The report also flags a significant surge in war-related casualties, rising from 12 incidents in 2023 to 51 in 2024, reflecting the maritime impact of geopolitical tensions. These developments call for upgraded fire suppression systems, stricter maintenance regimes, and stronger seafarer support systems.
Positive Decline in Collisions, Groundings, and Sinkings
Despite the negative trends, the report offers a silver lining: casualties from collisions, groundings, and sinkings have dropped by 26% compared to 2014 levels. Although there was a slight increase in contact-related incidents in 2023–2024, accident-related casualties overall remain significantly below their historical highs.
Industry Call to Action: Safety, Human Factors, and New Tech Oversight
DNV experts are urging the industry to update safety protocols, improve crew training, and ensure thorough risk assessments, especially as new technologies emerge. Øystein Goksøyr of DNV Maritime emphasizes the importance of integrating the human element with technological innovation, particularly in areas lacking sufficient regulation. This dual approach is critical for sustainably improving maritime safety outcomes.
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Source: DNV
