The Future of Maritime Safety 2024

3-minute read

Summary

The fourth edition of The Future of Maritime Safety Report offers a snapshot of the status of safety in international shipping, captured through the lens of Inmarsat GMDSS distress calls from 2023.
Explore the detailed findings and expert analysis in The Future of Maritime Safety Report 2024. Together, empowered by this knowledge, we can continue to advance the safety and resilience of the maritime industry.

As the maritime industry navigates through unprecedented global challenges, from pandemic to geopolitical tensions, the report's comprehensive analysis provides crucial insights into the evolving landscape of maritime safety.

Key findings for Maritime Safety in 2024

Distress Calls: Analysis of the number and nature of distress calls over the years, noting a consistent average of 799 calls per year from 2018 to 2023, with a slight decrease in 2023.
Age and Maintenance of Vessels: The average age of commercial vessels has risen slightly, with over half now older than 15 years. This trend reflects shipowners' hesitancy to commission new vessels amid uncertainties about future fuel options. However, the report emphasizes that these older vessels can continue to operate safely with proper maintenance and crewing.
Fuel Transition: The transition to alternative fuels and new technologies presents new safety challenges. Ensuring that crew members are adequately trained to handle these changes is crucial for maintaining safety standards.
Seafarer Wellbeing: There is an ongoing need to address seafarer welfare, suggesting improvements such as shore leave. It also calls for governments to protect seafarers from geopolitical risks and to recognise them as key workers.
Safety Data and Trends: There is a call for better data sharing and analysis within the industry to enhance safety practices. The report suggests developing a unified safety goal and leveraging big data to reduce preventable incidents. It also stresses the importance of anonymizing data to prevent reputational damage and encourage more open reporting.

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Distress calls by vessel type between 2021 - 2023

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

This report not only sheds light on critical maritime safety issues but also offers data-driven insights to help the industry prioritise risks and enhance safety protocols. By understanding the patterns and trends identified in this thorough analysis, maritime stakeholders can better prepare and respond to the dynamic demands of global shipping.