(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) Dry bulk ships are at the very heart of global trade, transporting iron ore, steel, coal, cement and grains. As the statistics of the INTERCARGO Bulk Carrier Casualty Report 2024 demonstrates, there is a clear trend of improved safety and declining ship losses at a time of fleet growth. Improved safety is largely thanks to constant learning, better crew training, improved ship design, new technology and stronger regulatory compliance. However, very sadly, major incidents involving loss of life have occurred and we must pay close attention to the causes explained in this report-there is no room for complacency.
As the voice of the dry bulk sector, INTERCARGO is determined to help lead the response to these events. We are working with our members, including ship owners and industry stakeholders, to do all we can to learn and protect the lives of the brave men and women who crew bulk carriers. Dry bulk ships are at the very heart of global trade, transporting
iron ore, steel, coal, cement and grains. We must learn how best to protect the safety of seafarers, and the vessels and their cargo, from damage and loss.
Every year, the INTERCARGO Bulk Carrier Casualty Report provides an analysis of casualty statistics covering the previous 10 years. During the 10-year period from 2014 to 2023, it was reported that 21 bulk carriers over 10,000 deadweight tonnage (dwt) were lost, resulting in the death of 89 seafarers. These losses were primarily due to cargo liquefaction and groundings as the major causes, highlighting critical areas for industry focus.
Ship loss statistics between 2014 and 2023 suggest a clear improvement in terms of the number of annual losses of bulk carriers versus the total number of bulk carriers in the global fleet. This positive trend demonstrates the industry’s commitment to enhanced safety protocols and regulatory compliance.
Enhancement of safety awareness for personnel both onboard and ashore is a priority to reduce and remove safety gaps. Reviewing the past decade, a significant contributing factor to the safety performance of bulk carriers is the development and implementation of new international rules and regulations and, as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO)
within the International Maritime Organization (IMO), INTERCARGO has played its part in the development of this legislation.
The application of new technology to improve ship design and building and the introduction of new materials has also played its part. While these improvements are encouraging, any loss of life remains tragic. The shipping industry must maintain unwavering vigilance and continue to learn from every incident and the findings of this report.
For more information click below to download the Intercargo Annual Review 2023-2024.
Source:Â Intercargo
The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) unites and
promotes quality dry bulk shipping, bringing together 260 forward thinking companies
from 30 countries.
INTERCARGO convened for the first time in 1980 in London and has been participating
with consultative status at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) since 1993.
INTERCARGO provides the forum where dry bulk shipowners, managers and operators
are informed about, discuss, and share concerns on key topics and regulatory challenges, especially in relation to safety, the environment, and operational excellence. The Association takes forward its members’ positions to IMO, as well as to other shipping and international industry fora, having free and fair competition
as a principle.
