Recruitment and training lags behind global fleet growth
Even when the Susan Borchard hit the Segesta Jet killing six, things could have been much worse, given that the impact could have been just a few metres further toward the passenger section.
It is of widespread concern that maritime accidents, rather than going down, are on the increase.
This closely follows an argument by Dr Torkel Soma (principal safety consultant at DNV Maritime) who points out that, 'DNV’s statistics shows that a ship is twice as likely to be involved in a serious grounding, collision or contact accident today compared to only five years ago. In addition, estimates show that the costs of these accidents have also doubled.'
The report also suggests that new technology, rather than helping the industry become safer, has actually contributed to this worrying rise. Complex systems have been introduced at the same time as skilled crew have been spread too thin.
Dr Soma continues, 'The boom in the shipping market and increased deliveries of newbuildings has resulted in pressure on crews. The shortage of officers has resulted in lower retention and faster promotion. As a result, the general level of experience is decreasing on board. At the same time new technical solutions have been introduced which might have increased the complexity of operations.'
Helge Kjeøy, regional manager of DNV Maritime South East Asia, is of the opinion that the new technology is a mixed blessing, saying, 'Adding new and more complex equipment does not help the situation. Avoiding accidents under such situations requires a good safety culture, something which the maritime industry evidently needs to focus more on.'
It is not just those involved directly in the damage to cargo and tragic loss of human life. Everyone is affected when the incidents are translated into increases in shipping insurance.
Northern European insurance companies such as Skuld, Norwegian Hull Club (NHC) and The Swedish Club have already confirmed 'steep' rises, with the NHC saying it is prepared to lose up to 30% of their clients in a move to raise premiums by 10% to 15%, adding that it aims at good cover and market realism, even if there were a few companies still offering cheaper deals.
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