DNV Report: Maritime Industry Must Prioritize Safety amidst Decarbonization and Digitalization

DNV Report: Maritime Industry Must Prioritize Safety amidst Decarbonization and Digitalization

(IN BRIEF) A new report by DNV and Lloyd’s List Intelligence highlights the need for the maritime industry to prioritize safety amidst transformative changes. The report reveals a significant increase in safety incidents related to machinery damage or failure. It emphasizes the importance of developing a robust safety culture that values human, organizational, and technological elements. Collaboration, transparent transition to new fuels and technologies, investment in crew welfare, and knowledge sharing are identified as key factors to enhance safety in the industry.

(PRESS RELEASE) OSLO, 15-May-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — DNV, a leading provider of software solutions for the maritime industry, in collaboration with Lloyd’s List Intelligence, has released a new report titled “Maritime safety trends 2012-2022: Advancing a culture of safety in a changing maritime landscape.” The report highlights a significant increase in safety incidents related to machinery damage or failure, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to address safety concerns.

According to the analysis, the overall number of safety incidents rose by 9% in 2022, primarily driven by a 12% surge in incidents involving machine damage or failure. These findings underscore the importance of developing a comprehensive understanding of emerging technologies and placing equal emphasis on human, organizational, and technological aspects to foster a robust safety culture within maritime companies and the industry as a whole.

“New technologies, alternative fuels and more advanced digital systems offer many solutions, but they also bring increased uncertainty and new risks,” said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime, DNV. “Rules, procedures and guidelines continue to be essential elements, but they mean less if they are not embraced by crew, or if they don’t become ingrained in the safety culture of a company. This will lead to a deeper awareness of the safety hurdles and a more comprehensive understanding of new technologies.”

DNV stresses the significance of transparent collaboration among maritime stakeholders during the safe transition to new fuels and technologies. Active participation in the development of training programs that prioritize safety, reliability, and realism is crucial. Additionally, proactive investments in the psychological and physical well-being of crew members and onshore workers can significantly enhance safety outcomes.

The report also emphasizes the value of knowledge sharing and collaboration. As the industry moves towards new engine types and fuels, the risk of machine failure and accidents increases. It is therefore imperative for shipping companies to openly share lessons learned from such incidents to drive continuous improvement and elevate safety standards across the entire industry.

“Fundamentally, safe shipping relies on good leadership. We urge all players in the industry to put aside their competitive instincts and contribute to improved safety standards for all. This will ensure that every mistake can be learned from, and we all continue to maintain progress while – much more importantly – minimizing the risk to human life and the environment,” said Ørbeck-Nilssen.

You can download the report in full here.

Lloyds List Intelligence and DNV will also be hosting a safety panel discussion on 23 May 2023. Click here to register.

Media contact:

Margrethe Andersen
Head of External Communications, Maritime

Phone: +47 47 68 22 89
margrethe.andersen@dnv.com

SOURCE: DNV AS