Updated and expanded casualty analysis of container vessels

ABSTRACT Historical information is the key input for risk analysis with respect to developing the risk model as well as in the risk management process, i.e. identification of effective risk mitigating measures. Casualty databases are today still the primary source of this information on accidents and incidents. Accident investigation reports provide more detailed information on the accident scenario and facilitating improved risk analysis. Casualty information by IMO GISIS, IHS Markit and LMIU for the period 1990–2020 and containerships of more than 999 GT had been re-analyzed and information categorized for allowing statistical analysis of causes. A taxonomy had been developed for the consistent categorization of information and used to present accident causes in a more structured way. Appropriate statistics regarding the main causes for major types considering collision, contact, grounding, fire, explosion and failure of machinery equipment are presented in this paper. Historical trends and quantitative casualty characteristics are reported.