by: EDITORIAL TEAM photo: PIXABAY

Maritime occupational safety is entering a new phase in which traditional risks coexist with the challenges brought by digitalisation, automation and alternative fuels. On vessels, in ports and in shipyards, safety is increasingly shaped by human workload, system complexity and holistic safety management rather than isolated work procedures.

TRADITIONAL RISKS REMAIN UNCHANGED

The core risks in maritime operations are still well known. Falls from height, lifting operations, engine room incidents and accidents in enclosed spaces continue to account for a significant share of serious injuries and fatalities. Enclosed spaces – such as ballast tanks and cargo holds – remain particularly hazardous despite decades of awareness of the risks.

Investigation reports repeatedly show similar patterns: procedures and checklists are often in place, but compliance is not always consistent. Time pressure, operational demands and human factors continue to influence how strictly safety procedures are followed in daily operations.

CREW FATIGUE AS A SAFETY-CRITICAL FACTOR

In recent years, seafarer wellbeing and fatigue have become increasingly central topics in maritime safety discussions. International Maritime Organization( IMO) regulations and guidelines on work and rest hours have long addressed fatigue as a safety risk, and the topic remains highly relevant across the industry.

In practice, many vessels still operate with lean manning levels and demanding schedules. This increases the risk of human error, particularly during extended shifts or high-stress operational situations. Safety is therefore no longer defined solely by physical hazards, but also by cognitive workload, decision-making capacity and overall human performance under pressure.

DIGITALISATION AND ALARM OVERLOAD

The growing complexity of shipboard systems has introduced a new operational challenge: alarm overload. Modern vessels can generate a very large number of alarms daily, many of which are routine or non-critical. This can lead to what is commonly referred to as alarm fatigue, where continuous alerts reduce the crew’ s ability to prioritise and respond effectively to genuinely critical situations.

While automation and monitoring systems are designed to enhance safety, they also highlight the importance of human – machine interface design. Poorly prioritised or excessive alerts can, in the worst case, undermine situational awareness rather than improve it.

ALTERNATIVE FUELS CHANGE THE RISK LANDSCAPE

The maritime energy transition is introducing new fuels such as methanol, ammonia and hydrogen. While these fuels are key enablers of decarbonisation, they also significantly alter onboard risk profiles.

Ammonia is toxic and requires strict handling procedures. Hydrogen is highly flammable and demands robust containment and ventilation solutions. Methanol is less complex to handle in some respects but still requires specific safety measures due to its toxicity and fire behaviour.

As a result, the transition is not only a technical challenge but also a major training and competency issue for crews, requiring updated procedures, new emergency preparedness practices and enhanced risk awareness.

PORT AUTOMATION AND EMERGING INTERACTION RISKS

In ports, automation is reshaping work environments. Cargo handling, yard logistics and loading operations are increasingly supported or managed by automated systems, remotely controlled cranes and autonomous vehicles.

While these developments improve efficiency and can reduce certain types of physical risk, they also introduce new safety challenges. The interaction between human-operated and automated systems requires clearly defined operating zones, reliable communication systems and robust situational awareness

28 seatec 2 / 2026