- Ship Calls Surge Above Pre-Pandemic Levels.
- Safety Risks Highlighted by Recent High-Profile Accidents.
- EU Shipbuilding Share Declines but Specialisation Endures.
The European Maritime Safety Agency has released the second edition of its European Maritime Safety Report, which examines the key safety and operational challenges affecting EU shipping in recent years, reports Safety4Sea.
Disruptive Global Environment Shapes Maritime Activity
From 2019 to 2023, EU shipping faced a whirlwind of global disruptions, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK’s exit from the EU, and the ripple effects of conflicts like the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East. These events have significantly altered maritime traffic patterns, all while the industry has been striving to uphold safety standards within a changing regulatory landscape.
Accidents Underscore Emerging Safety Risks
Since the first report in 2022, several notable incidents, particularly major vehicle carrier fires, have brought to light new and evolving safety risks. In 2023, EU ports recorded over 880,000 ship calls—almost 20% more than before the pandemic. More than half of these were domestic traffic, with ro-pax and passenger ships making up the largest portion.
EU Shipbuilding Output Declines but Specialisation Remains
Between 2019 and 2023, EU shipyards represented 7.6% of global newbuild activity in terms of the number of vessels, which is a drop compared to the previous five years. Nevertheless, EU yards continue to excel in constructing passenger ships, fishing vessels, and offshore supply vessels. Northern and Southern European countries lead in volume production, while others focus on large cruise ships.
Marine Equipment Industry Maintains Global Leadership
On the flip side, the EU marine equipment sector is thriving, boasting a 35% share of the global market. Almost half of the marine equipment found on EU-flagged ships is produced by companies based in the EU, showcasing the region’s robust industrial foundation.
Decline in Seafarer Numbers and an Ageing Workforce
As we approach the end of 2023, there are nearly 298,000 masters and officers with valid certificates or endorsements ready to work on EU-flagged ships. This marks a 12% drop since 2019. What’s more, the average age of these certified seafarers is over 40, raising some serious questions about the long-term sustainability of the workforce.
Ongoing Gender Imbalance and Working Conditions
Women still make up a tiny fraction of the seafaring workforce, representing less than 3% of EU-certified seafarers. Inspections have also uncovered persistent issues with working and living conditions. The Maritime Labour Convention shortcomings are frequently noted, especially on bulk carriers and general cargo ships.
Recognition of Training and Certification
The EU is still leaning on non-EU seafarers to fill its crewing gaps. Currently, certificates from 51 non-EU countries are recognised, allowing their officers to work on EU-flagged vessels. The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) is actively supporting inspections of training systems to ensure they meet international standards.
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Source: Safety4Sea
