Global ship risk profiles: Safety and the marine environment

This article uses visualization techniques to investigate global ship risk profiles and their changes over time. With a unique data set of 49,151 observations, the authors link changes in risk profiles to legislative developments and industry actions, as well as identify areas prone to general safety, loss of life, and pollution risks. Improved risk profiles over time have resulted from legislative measures, including the International Safety Management Code, the Oil Pollution Act, amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, and the introduction of port state controls and industry vetting inspections.

► The paper uses a unique combination of data to investigate changes of ship risk profiles.
► Links are identified to the legislative framework and industry actions.
► We identify high risk prone areas for safety and pollution.
► Results demonstrate improved risk profiles over time.