Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty’s (AGCS) maritime report card for 2020 stressed need for maintenance
AGCS’ Safety Shipping Review 2021 revealed the top 5 causes of maritime losses. Machinery damage and failures were among the listed. AGCS noted while the number of total losses remained stable over the past year, the number of shipping casualties or incidents declined slightly from 2,818 to 2,703 or by around 4 per cent.
Maintenance overlooked
In 2020, the British Isles, North Sea, English Channel and Bay of Biscay maritime region saw the highest number of reported incidents (579), though this was slightly down year-on-year. Machinery damage and failure was cited as the top cause, accounting for 40 per cent.
Between 2011 and 2020, the East Mediterranean and Black Sea region recorded the most shipping incidents (4,556) – accounting for 17 per cent. Of over 26,000 incidents across 10 years, more than 30 per cent (9,334) were due to machinery damage or failure, which doubled the next highest cause – collision (3,288). Apart from these two, fires and explosions, plus foundering had the highest occurrences. The report noted in 2020 alone, there were 24 foundering incidents and 10 fires.
Important but not forgotten
Maintaining a ship is a prolonged mechanical process that keeps the vessel in an excellent condition. A ship has numerous small, large and complex parts that require regular maintenance for prolonged longevity. Investing in a well-functioning ship is pivotal to make the transaction lucrative, prevent losses from mishaps, and ensure seafarers’ safety.
Periodic surveys and inspections of ships are carried out to upkeep the safety and seaworthiness of vessels. With maritime laws becoming more stringent each year, vessels need to meet minimum requirements to sail, and that is only determined through series of inspections. The purpose of maintenance is to secure maximum efficiency and availability of production equipment, utilities and related facilities at optimal cost, and under satisfactory conditions of quality, safety and environment protection.
From the seafarers’ perspective, it is heartening to note a slight decline in maritime mishaps. However, more proactivity would be beneficial. Shipowners and operators can look to Marine Online for a wide range of surveys and inspection services at competitive rates.
Crewing Online News Team
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