A surge in vessel fires and growing reluctance by ports to offer refuge is leaving fire-damaged ships stranded at sea for months, escalating risks and costs for owners, insurers, and crews.
In 2024, global vessel losses hit a record low, but the maritime industry faces new challenges such as cyber threats, geopolitical tensions, and a surge in fire incidents, according to Allianz Commercial’s latest Safety and Shipping Review.
The NTSB urges better marine firefighting training for land-based responders after investigating the Grande Costa D’Avorio fire in Newark, which exposed critical safety gaps and resulted in fatalities and significant vessel damage.
