Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Bulk Carrier Safety

INTERCARGO Report: 71 Seafarers Lost and 17 Bulk Carriers Shipwrecked in a Decade

Bulk carrier safety has seen a noteworthy improvement in recent years, yet the landscape of risks faced by seafarers continues to evolve. INTERCARGO’s Bulk Carrier Casualty Report 2026 sheds light on developments over the past decade, outlining both the successes and the emerging challenges in the maritime industry.

Growth of the Global Bulk Carrier Fleet

Over the decade from 2016 to 2025, the global bulk carrier fleet expanded significantly. The number of vessels increased from approximately 10,400 in 2013 to 13,669 by December 2025. Despite this growth, the number of bulk carrier losses shows a positive trend. A total of 17 bulk carriers of 10,000 deadweight tons (dwt) or more were lost, accounting for about 1.63 million dwt in total and leading to 71 seafarer fatalities. The rolling ten-year average of annual losses has consistently decreased during this period, suggesting effective safety measures are being implemented.

A Statistical Perspective on Safety Performance

Statistical analysis from the report indicates that annual casualties among bulk carriers have maintained a low level since 2018. The decline in vessel losses reflects the hard work put forth by ship owners, regulators, and crew members to uphold safety standards.

Annual Casualty Statistics

Areas of Improvement in Safety

Numerous factors contribute to the steady decline in bulk carrier losses, primarily characterized by enhancements in ship design, crew training, and regulatory compliance. However, while the situation is improving, the data reveals that traditional risks are being replaced by emerging threats requiring ongoing vigilance.

Persistent Risks: Lessons from Experience

Even though overall losses have seen a decline, certain critical incidents continue to occur. Key findings highlight the following persistent risks:

Cargo Liquefaction: Leading as the primary cause of fatalities, cargo liquefaction accounted for 37 deaths—over 50% of lives lost. Notably, vessels in the 50,000–59,999 dwt bracket were particularly impacted, showcasing the risks associated with nickel ore and similar high-risk cargoes.
Groundings: The report identified groundings as the leading cause of vessel losses, accounting for 41.1% of cases. Most vessel losses occurred in ships aged 15–19 years, emphasizing the need for rigorous navigational discipline as vessels mature.
Flooding Incidents: Though fewer in frequency, flooding accounts for nearly half of all fatalities, reinforcing the need for robust contingency measures on board.

Collaborative Efforts Towards Safety

To combat these persistent risks, INTERCARGO and its affiliates are actively working with various stakeholders to enhance:

Cargo Declaration and Testing: Strengthening procedures for declaring and testing cargo can significantly mitigate risks.
Training Initiatives: Training for both ship and shore personnel plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Implementation of Codes: The IMSBC Code, which sets forth requirements for bulk cargo, is being enforced more rigorously, including elaborate guidelines on moisture testing and cargo property declarations.
Transparency in Investigations: Timely and transparent casualty investigations allow for effective sharing of lessons learned.

The Complex, High-risk Environment for Seafarers

The report also highlights a growing complexity in the global operating environment that seafarers must navigate. Notably, incidents linked to missile, drone, and uncrewed vessel attacks have been documented, particularly in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These events underscore a broader challenge within international shipping that transcends traditional operational risks.

A Reminder of the Human Cost

The importance of cargo safety was tragically illustrated in early 2026 with the loss of the MV Devon Bay, which resulted in the deaths of two seafarers and left four missing. This incident, while occurring outside the ten-year analysis period, reaffirmed critical safety priorities identified in the report.

Collective Responsibility in Maritime Safety

As global dry bulk trade continues to rise, adhering to and improving safety standards necessitates collaboration among all stakeholders—shipowners, charterers, shippers, ports, and regulators. This ongoing effort is vital to sustaining the progress made in safety.

To further this cause, INTERCARGO’s casualty analysis directly informs its broader program for developing technical guidance and operational standards, recently exemplified by the release of new Ship to Ship Transfer Guidelines for Bulk Carriers.

For a comprehensive understanding of the findings and ongoing developments in bulk carrier safety, the complete Bulk Carrier Casualty Report 2026 is available here.