The Maritime Traffic Safety Forum takes place at the Grand Halls in Shanghai on Oct 23 as part of the 2024 North Bund Forum. [Photo by Gu Yingjie/english.shanghai.gov.cn]
The shipping industry’s shift towards smart and environmentally friendly practices has introduced a fresh set of challenges, experts said at a thematic forum held on Oct 23 at the ongoing North Bund Forum in Shanghai. Industrial leaders and authorities convened at the forum to discuss current obstacles and deliberate on strategies for future enhancements in maritime safety.
Yan Xinping, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, highlighted that despite advancements in technology, mechanical failures and collisions have remained the primary causes of maritime accidents over the past decade. However, a concerning trend has emerged with a significant rise in fire-related incidents, marking 2022 as a year that witnessed the highest number of fire cases in a decade, ranking third in terms of maritime accidents.
The ongoing transition towards green and smart practices within the shipping sector has posed new safety concerns. Yan emphasized the critical need to bolster safety protocols surrounding new energy vessels and cargoes through proactive risk prevention and management measures. He pointed to recent fire accidents triggered by battery explosions as a pressing issue that necessitates immediate attention.
With the increasing intelligence of ships, Yan highlighted a corresponding rise in vulnerability to cyberattacks. As more technologically advanced cruise ships are deployed, the forum underscored the imperative to devise robust emergency evacuation and rescue protocols capable of handling large-scale incidents effectively.
Andreas Nordseth, director general of the Danish Maritime Authority, echoed concerns regarding safety implications associated with the adoption of new energy sources in maritime operations. He emphasized the indispensable role of human intervention in situations where the ship’s intelligent systems may falter. Nordseth stressed the importance of involving sailors and operators in the design and testing phases of these systems to ensure operational resilience.
Looking ahead, Yan emphasized that maritime traffic management systems must adapt to accommodate a spectrum of upcoming activities, including resource development, tourism, exploration, and scientific research. He emphasized the need for future maritime traffic control systems to prioritize seamless human-machine coordination to enhance overall reliability and operational efficiency.
,https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Latest-WhatsNew/20241024/c9909f26df7a42d28622922a14ce743e.html