SHIPPING industry leaders, DNV and Lloyd’s List Intelligence are collaborating to advance maritime safety. Central to the collaboration is a report that reveals a disturbing rise in machinery damage and failure, as recorded by Lloyd’s List.

More than 700 ships reported machinery breakdowns at the beginning of the decade commencing 2012, rising to almost 1,000 in 2015 and 1,500 last year. These involved all vessel types and sizes, with general cargoships, bulk carriers and ferries particularly affected.

The report underlines the need for more to be done to understand why accidents happen and where further research should be targeted.

The report concludes that shipping must share safety experience if the 80% of incidents attributed to human error is to be seriously addressed.

DNV Maritime chief executive Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen observes that demand for a more decarbonised world and rapid technological advancements are “compelling us to calibrate our way of thinking about safety”.

He adds: “New engine types, fuels, and digital systems offer many solutions but also bring increased uncertainty and new risks. The maritime industry needs to embrace safety as it adapts to these changes.”

DNV, Lloyd’s List Intelligence and safety experts will lead discussion on improved safety solutions and steps forward, in a live-streamed industry forum — Adapting to the future seas: Advancing Maritime Safety Culture in the era of transformation on May 23.

Join the discussion here