INTERCARGO report: Safety gains continue but security threats emerge
(Posted on 15/06/25)
INTERCARGO, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, reports encouraging progress in bulk carrier safety, with vessel losses and fatalities continuing to decline over the last decade. However, serious security threats in 2024 demand urgent international action to protect seafarers and uphold freedom of navigation.
The Bulk Carrier Casualty Report 2025 identifies the loss of 20 bulk carriers (≥10,000 dwt) between 2015 and 2024, resulting in 89 seafarer fatalities. Groundings remain the leading cause of vessel losses, responsible for 45% of cases, while cargo liquefaction continues to pose the greatest threat to life, accounting for 55 deaths, which is more than 60% of the total. Cargo shifting (distinct from liquefaction) caused the loss of two ships and 12 lives, highlighting an additional area of concern.
Although only one operational casualty was recorded in 2024, the year was marked by three separate attacks on bulk carriers in the Red Sea – Rubymar, True Confidence and Tutor – involving missiles, drones and uncrewed surface vessels. These incidents, which resulted in four seafarer deaths, are documented separately from the statistical analysis but underscore a dangerous deterioration in maritime security.
John Xylas, Chairman of INTERCARGO, commented: “The dry bulk sector should take pride in the improved safety performance reflected in this year’s report. But the unacceptable attacks on merchant ships in 2024 have reminded us that safety today extends beyond seamanship and regulatory compliance; it is fundamentally about protecting human life. Seafarers must never be placed in harm’s way for simply doing their jobs.”
The report also shows that bulk carrier losses now average just two per year, with a notable decline in average fatalities per casualty over successive 10-year periods. These gains are attributed to improved ship design, better crew training, and stronger regulatory frameworks. Nevertheless, INTERCARGO emphasises that significant risks persist, particularly those related to improperly declared cargoes, navigational failures and delays in the submission of accident investigation reports by flag States. The average reporting time to the IMO GISIS platform remains over two years, severely hindering the industry’s ability to learn and implement timely corrective actions.
With more than 12,500 bulk carriers in service globally and demand for dry cargo trade continuing to grow, INTERCARGO reiterates its call for a collective industry commitment to achieving zero loss of life and zero loss of ships. The Association will continue to work with its members, international bodies and wider stakeholders to advance this goal, while also advocating for immediate measures to ensure the security of seafarers in high-risk regions.
Latest News
Posidonia 2026 takes centre stage amid global freedom of navigation challenges
(Posted on 29/05/26)From insurance and risk management to energy transition, digitalisation and maritime security, the Posidonia... Read more
First maritime compliance & prevention-focused organisation, PaS, joins DBCE
(Posted on 29/05/26)Prevention at Sea (PaS), a leading maritime compliance, auditing, and digital solutions provider, has... Read more
NorthStandard reports strong results and strategic momentum
(Posted on 29/05/26)NorthStandard has reported strong financial results, continued strategic progress and enhanced support... Read more
Latest guidance for vessel transit through Strait of Hormuz
(Posted on 25/05/26)Hundreds of vessels remain unable to transit the Strait of Hormuz and, in the event of a return to more... Read more
The Bahamas regains QUALSHIP 21 eligibility
(Posted on 25/05/26)The Bahamas has regained eligibility for the United States Coast Guard’s QUALSHIP 21 programme... Read more
First dedicated STS standard for dry bulk released by INTERCARGO
(Posted on 22/05/26)Ship to ship (STS) transfers are an established part of dry bulk operations, and they are growing. As... Read more
Columbia reinforces commitment to maritime talent
(Posted on 22/05/26)Columbia Group has strengthened its commitment to developing the next generation of maritime professionals... Read more
Jamaica marks 50 years at IMO with call for island states to shape future
(Posted on 22/05/26)The Maritime Authority of Jamaica has marked Jamaica’s 50th anniversary as a member of the International... Read more
Costamare Bulkers logs first profit after Cargill deal removes most legacy trading
(Posted on 14/05/26)Costamare Bulkers Holdings Limited has reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended... Read more
NORDEN strengthens fleet with the addition of four Handysize vessels
(Posted on 13/05/26)NORDEN have announced that they have expanded their fleet with the purchase of four dry cargo Handysize... Read more
