New report reveals insights into the performance and safety of dry bulk vessels

Analysing data from over 5,000 incidents and 3,400 vessel detentions between 2021 and 2024, the report reveals how regular inspections can play a pivotal role in reducing risks and improving operational standards.

The report highlights key trends, such as a marked decrease in detention and serious incident rates following inspections, particularly for vessels aged between 6 and 13 years. It also underscores the ongoing challenges posed by human factors, which remain a significant variable in incident occurrences.

Port State Control (PSC) Performance

An analysis of 3,435 dry bulk and general cargo vessel detentions from January 2021 to June 2024 revealed notable trends based on vessel age. Detention rates increased up to the age of 12 years, followed by a consistent trend to 17 years, then showed a slight decline up to 21 years. Noting that RightShip criteria currently requires an acceptable inspection status to be maintained post 14 years.

Incident Performance

An examination of 5,628 incidents involving dry bulk and general cargo vessels from January 2021 to June 2024 reveals a variable performance regardless of vessel age. This variability suggests a significant influence of human factors in these incidents. However, a slightly higher incident ratio was observed in vessels aged between 6 and 13 years. Regular inspections help managers to strengthen controls, to reduce potential causes and risk of incidents, that may also include human factors.

Inspections: Enhancing Performance and Mitigating Risks

As explained, the dry bulk industry faces ongoing safety challenges, necessitating continuous diligence to strengthen standards, oversight, and controls. RightShip recognises the value of inspection programs such as the SIRE program, CDI, and RISQ Inspections for Dry Bulk vessels. Coupled with an appropriate frequency of inspection and related improvement actions undertaken by owners and managers, these programs can not only effectively reduce cases of detentions and incidents, but also help Shipowners reduce cost and supply chain impacts through unplanned downtime and repairs. For example, impacts observed through the RISQ.

Detention Rate reduction:

An analysis of detentions from January 2022 to June 2024 showed a reduced frequency of detentions when comparing vessel data before and after RISQ Inspections. During this period, 2,863 unique vessels were inspected. Of the 2,547 vessels that underwent PSC inspections in the six months before their RISQ inspection, 14% experienced detention. In contrast, only 6% of the 2,377 vessels inspected in the six months after their RISQ inspection were detained. This represents a reduction of 247 detentions.

Incident Reduction:

Similarly, an analysis of vessels inspected under the RISQ program, which had also experienced serious incidents from January 2022 to June 2024, demonstrated a reduction in the frequency of serious incidents post-RISQ Inspection. Out of 227 unique vessels inspected, 136 vessels (59%) had experienced a serious incident in the six months before their RISQ inspection. In contrast, only 44 vessels (19%) experienced a serious incident in the six months following their inspection. Many of these incidents were linked to human factors. The analysis considered Category A and B incidents, including loss of life, abandonments, severe pollution, and loss of propulsion requiring towage or shore assistance.