RISK ANALYSIS OF THE CONTAINER FLEET IN THE CONTEXT OF THE MARITIME OPERATIONS’ SAFETY IMPROVEMENT

Abstract

Nowadays container transportation occupies more than 90% of the non-bulk cargo market. At the same time, the growing demand for the transportation of this type of cargo contributes to the replenishment of the container fleet with extra-large container ships. It was determined that between 2011 and 2019, the volume of the container fleet had increased by about 15% with the respective part of the vessels over 10,000 TEU by approximately 500%. On the other hand, despite the advantages of containerized cargo transportation, the intensification of maritime transport flows, the increase in the number of cargoes, the growth of ship sizes, constant changes in the maritime industry, as well as human errors are the factors that increase the risks of maritime accidents. The present study is aimed at analyzing the risks inherent to the container fleet to determine ways of safety improvement in the industry. Since the formulated direction covers a wide range of tasks, this article attempts to focus on the issue of navigational safety, sea container transportation and the influence of the human factor. In the course of the study, the grouping of various types of emergency situations on the container fleet was carried out in accordance with the appropriate categories for the further determination of cause-and-effect relationships and the formation of a fault tree for the purpose of maritime operations' analysis in general. The formation of the specified model provides an opportunity for the determination of independent factors contributing to the development of emergencies at the first approximation. Within the framework of the established goal, the work presents the relevant risk matrix, scales for assessing the probability and consequences of a potentially dangerous situation, the risk assessment in accordance with the identified factors, and the pre-formulated means of control and minimization of such risks. Keywords: safety of cargo transportation, navigational safety, containerized cargo, risk analysis, human factor.