Marine transportation is a safe mode of transportation as evidenced by the decline in the number of marine incidents registered during the last years.

Accidents aboard ship and shipping accidents 2006-2015
Accidents aboard ship and shipping accidents 2006-2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Transport Safety Board of Canada, 2006-2015

 

Globally the number of oil spills has decreased during the last 45 years, despite an increase of oil trade.

Incidence of Spills Worldwide 1970-2015
Incidence of Spills Worldwide 1970-2015 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Clear Seas

This trend shows that the marine industry’s efforts combined with the strict control of marine activities makes marine transportation the safest mode for transporting goods. Nonetheless marine safety remains the marine industry’s main priority with a concern to protect life, health, goods and the marine environment.

All marine activities, such as the design and construction, the operation of equipment, navigation, discharges, fuelling, loading, unloading and handling of cargo, etc., are extensively  analyzed and planned, and are strictly controlled in order to limit the risk of incidents and pollution.

Note: Marine safety is not to be confused with marine security, which aims at protecting marine transportation from unlawful interference, terrorist or pirate attacks, etc.

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