Fewer ships were lost in 2022

38 civilian ships sank or were otherwise lost last year, which is 21 fewer than in 2021 when 59 ships were lost. Compared to ten years ago, this is a decrease of 65 percent - while 30 years ago, on average, more than 200 ships were lost per year

Behind the figures is the German insurance company Allianz Globak, which has kept statistics on accidents at sea for more than 12 years.

According to the insurance company, tighter regulation, technical development, and better training are among the main reasons for the positive development.

Although fewer ships were lost last year, the number of reported incidents was in line with last year - just over 3,000. However, this may be due to the fact that the willingness to report incidents is generally increasing.

Fire and incorrect declaration of goods continue to be a major sources of accidents. More than 200 ship fires were reported in 2022, an increase of 17 percent and the highest number in 10 years. During the last five years, 64 ships have been lost as a result of fire.

Allianz points to the need to tighten the rules for the transport of electrically powered vehicles, both ferries and car transport ships. Electrically powered devices also pose an increasing threat.

Misdeclared goods in containers is another problem the insurance company points to as an area where improvements must be made.