MARITIME SAFETY

Navigating Maritime safety in a decade of transformation

The maritime industry stands at a pivotal moment. After decades of steady progress in maritime safety, recent years have seen a troubling reversal. As the sector undergoes rapid transformation driven by decarbonization, digitalization, and geopolitical shifts, traditional marine safety practices are struggling to keep pace. DNV is committed to helping the industry navigate this complexity by closing the emerging safety gap and fostering a proactive, holistic approach to maritime safety and security.

^{The challenge: Safety trends reversing course}

DNV’s Maritime Safety Trends 2014–2024 reveals a consistent rise in safety incidents since 2018. This reversal in safety in the shipping industry is largely attributed to incidents of machinery damage and failure, driven by an ageing global fleet, and the introduction of new fuels, novel technologies, and digital systems.

Key findings include:

In 2024, more than half of all casualties involved vessels over 20 years old.

Machinery damage and failures accounted for 60% of incidents – up from 38% a decade earlier.

These developments underscore the need for updated risk controls, fleet renewal, and a modernized regulatory approach. The industry must recognize that applying existing standards to new technologies is no longer sufficient to ensure robust maritime safety.

^{How can the industry build a proactive approach to maritime safety?}

As shipping embraces alternative fuels, autonomous systems, and new operational models, safety standards must evolve in parallel. DNV advocates for a proactive approach that anticipates emerging risks rather than reacting to incidents.

Effective maritime safety and security must be embedded into vessel design, operational procedures, and leadership practices. This requires balancing human, organizational, and technological factors—a framework known as the HOT approach.

Additionally, cybersecurity is also a core component of safety in the shipping industry and must be integrated into every stage of vessel development and operation. In the event of a cyber-attack, companies should ensure that stringent incident response procedures are in place, and that both seafarers and onshore workers are equipped to respond effectively when these threats occur.

By adopting a forward-looking, integrated approach to maritime safety, the industry can address today’s challenges while building resilience for the transformations ahead.

Key pathways to maritime safety

Ensuring safety, compliance, and sustainability across every vessel we classify

Classification and certification

Building a proactive, resilient safety culture for the next era of shipping

Safety Culture

^{Safety regulations and regimes}

The maritime industry operates under a comprehensive framework of international safety regulations. These regulations, often referred to as maritime safety regimes, are designed to ensure the safe construction and operation of vessels while protecting the marine environment and the well-being of seafarers.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the primary body responsible for developing and overseeing these global standards. Key conventions like the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) address ship safety and emergency procedures, while the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) focuses on environmental protection.

These foundational instruments, along with others like the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, and bodies like the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), work together to mitigate risks and foster a safety culture across the worldwide maritime industry.

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^{Cybersecurity: A strategic safety enabler}

Cybersecurity has become a strategic enabler of safety in the maritime industry. As vessels become more digitalized, the risks associated with cyber threats grow more complex and impactful. DNV supports maritime stakeholders with our Cyber Secure class notations, which are closely aligned with IACS UR E26 and E27, advisory and managed services for risk assessment and incident response, including in-depth threat intelligence and 24/7 support, and integration strategies for cybersecurity in early-stage infrastructure projects. Our training programs prepare crew and onshore staff to respond to evolving threats, including AI-driven phishing and vulnerabilities in operational technology. Cyber risks must be treated as safety risks, and DNV helps companies to embed comprehensive cybersecurity throughout the design, construction, and operation of their vessels.

^{Emergency Response Service (ERS)}

DNV’s Emergency Response Service provides 24/7 technical support to help mitigate incidents and protect crew, assets, and the environment. When every minute counts, our experts are ready to assist with rapid, informed decision-making. ERS is a vital component of our commitment to operational safety and resilience.

Let’s build a safer maritime future – together

The future of maritime safety depends on collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. As the industry navigates unprecedented transformation, DNV stands ready to support with insights, standards, and services that help manage change safely. From traditional classification to cutting-edge cybersecurity, from emergency response to future-focused training—we are your partner in building a safer, more sustainable maritime industry and a resilient maritime safety culture for generations to come.