The ships lost in that period total 2.33 million tpm, with an average age of 20.9 years

In the last 10 years (2011-2020), a total of 34 bulk vessels were lost in accidents, almost half of the 59 losses in the previous decade (2001-2010). This is reflected in a report published by the international association of shipowners of bulk vessels (Intercargo).

Accidental stranded was the first cause of total bulk loss in the last 10 years. Of the 34 accidents classified as total loss that took place in that period, 17 were due to strands. Of these, the full investigation reports of 13, carried out by their respective flag States and available for public consultation in the IMO GISIS database, are available.

According to Intercargo, an initial review of the reports revealed that human error, both operational and in navigation, contributed to nine of the accidental strands. In addition, among the four reports whose investigation is still pending, the evidence collected indicates that at least two of these incidents appear to have been caused by human operational and navigational errors.

Last year, two incidents drew particular attention: the stranded off the Brazilian coast of the large-scale mineralero built in 2016, Stellar Banner, which resulted in a total loss, and the Wakashio accident, which hit a coral reef off the coast of Mauritius, spilling about 1,000 tons of fuel.

According to the Intercargo report, 128 crew members lost their lives in the 34 accidents mentioned above, compared to 260 in the previous decade. Accidents related to liquefaction or other load failures proved to be the most serious for human life, causing 61 deaths, while 35 sailors lost their lives in four other accidents for unknown causes.