The 2025 Maritime Safety Report by DNV has revealed a concerning trend. A 42% increase in maritime safety incidents between 2018 and 2024, despite only a modest 10% growth in the global fleet. The primary culprit? Machinery damage, particularly on ageing vessels that remain in service due to delayed scrapping.
🔧 Machinery Damage: The Leading Cause of Maritime Safety Incidents
According to the report, machinery damage or failure accounted for 60% of all maritime safety incidents in 2024, up from 38% a decade earlier. These failures include:
- Engine breakdowns
- Propulsion system malfunctions
- Auxiliary equipment faults
This surge is largely attributed to mechanical faults on vessels over 25 years old, which were involved in 41% of all incidents. The trend reflects a growing reluctance among shipowners to retire older ships amid volatile freight markets and high newbuild costs.
📌 Related: Top Classification Societies in 2025 – See how DNV ranks globally in maritime safety leadership.
🔥 Fire and Explosion Incidents on the Rise
The report also highlights a 42% increase in fire and explosion incidents over the past four years. These are often linked to:
- Ageing electrical systems
- Inadequate fire suppression
- Improper cargo handling (especially EV batteries and chemicals)
Recent high-profile cases, such as the Wan Hai 503 and Morning Midas fires, underscore the urgent need for modernized safety systems and crew training
đź“Ś Read more: Rising Ship Explosions Threaten Seafarer Safety
âš“ Groundings and Delayed Scrapping
The reluctance to scrap older vessels has also led to a rise in groundings, often caused by outdated navigation systems or mechanical failure. With bulk carrier and tanker orders down by over 75%, many shipowners are extending the life of vessels well beyond their optimal operational window.
🛡️ DNV’s Recommendations
To reverse these trends, DNV recommends:
- Upgrading fire suppression systems
- Stricter maintenance protocols
- Enhanced crew training
- Incentives for scrapping vessels beyond 25 years
- Improved regulatory oversight for high-risk zones
🌍 A Call for Industry-Wide Reform
While total vessel losses are at a historic low, the rise in non-fatal incidents and near-misses paints a more complex picture. The maritime industry must balance economic pressures with the imperative of safety, sustainability, and seafarer well-being.
Resources
- DNV Maritime Safety Trends 2014–2024 Report https://www.dnv.com/news/2025/Ageing-fleet-drives-surge-in-maritime-incidents/
- DNV Maritime Publications Hub
https://www.dnv.com/maritime/insights/publications/ - Lloyd’s List Intelligence (data source used in the report)
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/ - IMO – International Maritime Organization (for regulatory context)
https://www.imo.org/
The Maritime-Hub Editorial Team
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Maritime-Hub. Readers are advised to research this information before making decisions based on it.
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