- A total of 1,154 incidents were recorded on commercial vessels in 2024, marking a 6% increase from 2023.
- Cargo ships accounted for 50% of all accidents, while fishing and passenger ships contributed 24% and 25%, respectively.
- Five crew members lost their lives, a 50% reduction compared to 2023.
The Norwegian Maritime Directorate has reported a 6% increase in incidents on commercial vessels in 2024, bringing the total to 1,154 cases. These were evenly split between accidents and near misses, reports SAFETY4SEA.
Cargo Ships Dominate the Accident Statistics
According to Vegar Berntsen, Section Manager, Risk Management and Analysis, smaller vessels—particularly fishing boats—are the ones most likely to sink, though four cargo ships were also lost this year.
Cargo vessels were the most accident-prone category, making up 50% of all maritime accidents in 2024. In comparison, fishing vessels and passenger ships accounted for 24% and 25%, respectively.
The total number of recorded maritime accidents—566 in 2024—includes 294 ship-related incidents and 272 personal accidents.
A Worrying Trend in Maritime Safety
The average number of incidents between 2020 and 2024 was 565 per year, with 2024 surpassing this figure. The last time such high numbers were recorded was in 2008, with 659 incidents.
However, underreporting in previous years might have masked the true scale of accidents, warns Berntsen.
Norwegian Vessels Account for Most Incidents
A staggering 95% of incidents involved Norwegian-registered vessels, highlighting the need for improved safety measures in domestic waters.
The Norwegian Maritime Directorate’s data suggests that smaller vessels are particularly vulnerable, leading to frequent sinkings.
Fewer Lives Lost, But Still Too Many
A total of five crew members lost their lives aboard commercial ships in 2024. While this marks a 50% decrease compared to 2023, Alf Tore Sørheim, Acting Director of Maritime Affairs, emphasized that each loss is a tragedy:
“That’s five too many, and five families that will never be the same again.”
Rise in Ship Accidents, Personal Incidents Steady
While personal accidents remained unchanged from the previous year, ship accidents increased by 26 cases, contributing to the overall rise in maritime incidents.
The statistics underscore the need for stronger enforcement of safety measures across the shipping industry.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: SAFETY4SEA
