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Insight | The Future of Maritime Safety Report 2025

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The Future of Maritime Safety Report 2025: Global shipping risk trends and GMDSS insights

Summary
  • The fifth edition of the Future of Maritime Safety Report presents a comprehensive analysis of global shipping safety, based on 801 GMDSS distress calls registered via Inmarsat Maritime’s network in 2024.
  • The report explores how geopolitical instability, climate disruption, crew welfare, and digitalisation challenges are reshaping maritime risk.

Shipping risk in 2024: A year of maritime safety challenges

From missile strikes in the Red Sea to typhoons in the Pacific and cyberattacks on port infrastructure, and the increasing presence of the Dark Fleet, 2024 was a year of compounding threats to maritime operations. The report connects distress call data to broader trends in maritime security, environmental hazards, and operational vulnerabilities.

 

Our mission

Our goal is to spark meaningful change in international shipping safety, and to highlight the Human Factor and safety of seafarers.  We aim to provoke thought and inspire debate, by shedding light on annual incidents and long-term trends to move the needle on maritime safety.

Gain expert analysis on the future of Maritime Safety

I recognise that data is not a panacea. Without context, it can mislead and confound. However, when validated and used thoughtfully, it can empower decision-makers. By working together and sharing anonymised data, industry regulators, shipowners and operators, insurers, seafarer unions and others can benchmark performance and take proactive steps to improve safety.

Peter Broadhurst, Senior Vice President, Safety and Regulatory, Inmarsat Maritime - a Viasat Company

What to expect from the 2025 report

From missile strikes in the Red Sea to typhoons in the Pacific and cyberattacks on port infrastructure, and the increasing presence of the Dark Fleet, 2024 was a year of compounding threats to maritime operations. The report connects distress call data to broader trends in maritime security, environmental hazards, and operational vulnerabilities.

Safety performance insights

Distress calls by vessel type, age, and operating region uncover patterns and emerging risks:

  • Tankers, bulk carriers, and dry cargo vessels accounted for 56.9% of all distress calls.
  • 16-year-old vessels sent the most distress signals, followed closely by new vessels—highlighting risks at both ends of the lifecycle.
  • July 2024 saw the highest number of calls, coinciding with Typhoon Gaemi and Red Sea security incidents.

GMDSS distress call analysis

Older vessels continue to pose mechanical and structural risks, while newer ships face challenges related to system integration and crew training.

The report highlights the need for proactive maintenance, crew competency development, and technology alignment.

Digitalisation trends

Digitalisation is transforming shipping, but fragmented systems and poor interoperability are creating new risks.

Crews face data overload, and cyberattacks are on the rise, with 1,800+ vessels targeted in the first half of 2024 alone.

Is the Future of Maritime Safety Report 2025 for you?

This report is a must-read for anyone shaping the future of maritime safety, shipping operations, or marine risk management.

  • Maritime safety professionals will gain data-driven insights into distress call patterns, vessel vulnerabilities, and emerging threats.
  • Shipowners and operators can benchmark fleet performance and identify operational risks tied to vessel age, type, and region.
  • Marine insurers and P&I clubs will find valuable context for underwriting decisions and loss prevention strategies.
  • Regulators and policymakers can use the findings to inform smarter, more agile safety frameworks.
  • Maritime journalists and analysts will uncover compelling storylines backed by real-world data—from cyberattacks to crew welfare.

Curious how 801 distress calls are reshaping maritime safety?

Previous Future of Maritime Safety reports