International Maritime Statistics Forum Singapore 16 – 18 April 2007

1. International Maritime Statistics ForumSingapore 16 – 18 April 2007 Fire and Explosions in Maritime Casualty Statistics (Polish case) Urszula Kowalczyk MARITIME INSTITUTE IN GDANSK www.im.gda.pl

2. R&D institute • 120 employees • established in 1950 • under The Ministry of Shipping current Ministry of Maritime Economy(analysis, expertise, statistics,opinions, yearly reports on maritime economy in Poland)

3. World casualty statistics • 2005 – 98 casualties of cargo carrying ships • 414 persons reported killed or missed in 2005 (in 2004 – 592) • average age of vessels lost in 2005 - 32.2 years. • At time of loss, 138 tankers were older than 15 years equal to nearly 90% while only 52% of the total world tanker fleet belongs to this age segment • over 20 years old ships dominate in casualties, • The nature of casualty - most often foundering, which were in most cases forced by bad weather conditions. • In 1992 –2006 foundering took 445 vessels with 4.7 mill dwt = 31% of total world losses. • bulk carrier losses – mainly to weather conditions = 42.5% foundering/ grounding, • tanker losses – mainly due to fire and explosions =39.5%, • share in DWT total reported losses: - fire and explosions = 20.7%, - strandings/groundings = 16.1% - machinery damage = 8.8%.

4. Human error? „Superfery 14” ferry sank on 27th February 2004 The most dramatic accident in the world fleet that included significant casualties was the fire on the Philippine ferry nearby Manila. The fire was a result of an explosion in which 194 passengers and crew members died.

5. Between the sea ans land Fire accident on Sea Traden in the Port of Antwerp

6. FIRE STATISTICS ON POLISH AND FOREIGN MARITIME SHIPS IN 2005 INCLUDING A DETAIL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED CASES Since 1980 Maritime Institute has been involved in research on causes and impacts of fire on Polish vessels and foreigh vessels in Polish ports and yards. 14 studies have been completedin 1980-2006. Total 29 accidents were reported on the vessels in exploitation and during repairs in the shipyardsin 2005; The study includes the analysis of fire accidents on the vessels in construction - 23 in 2005.

7. The main aim of the analysis To indicate the most common circumstances in which fires take place and therefore to show a direction in which preventive actions of fire services in ports, sea routes and shipyards should develop. The analysis includes conclusions gathered during detailed consultations with fire-fighting services.

8. Source of data & IMO requirements The maritime countries of the European Union attach great importance into the matters of the sea safety therefore the system of prevention and analysis is constantly improved (main developments: growing trade and transport, multimodality – mos, coastal zone management, environment protection) Data included in the analysis are to be used for the purpose of fire reporting on Polish vessels made for IMO fire general register and for improved management of safety and security on national level). All the information regarding fire statistics on the vessels were acquired from the fire-fighting services of the selected ship-owners, shipyards and seaports as well as from regional and local fire brigades in Gdańsk and Szczecin (coastal zone)

9. Table 1 FIRE ACCIDENTS ON POLISH AND FOREIGN VESSELS IN 2005 ACCORDING TO IMO CLASSIFICATION

10. Table 2 FIRE ACCIDENTS ON POLISH AND FOREIGN VESSELS IN 2005 ACCORDING TO IMO CLASSIFICATION YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION OR MAJOR CONVERSION

11. Table 3 FIRE ACCIDENTS ON POLISH AND FOREIGN VESSELS IN 2005 ACCORDING TO IMO CLASSIFICATION Shipping type

12. Table 4 FIRE ACCIDENTS ON POLISH AND FOREIGN VESSELS IN 2005 ACCORDING TO IMO CLASSIFICATION place of fire

13. Table 5 FIRE ACCIDENTS ON POLISH AND FOREIGN VESSELS IN 2005 ACCORDING TO IMO CLASSIFICATION Gross tonnage

14. Fire accidents by type of ships

15. Casuses of fire accidents on ships

16. Place of the fire accident occurrence

17. Obligations (IMO) • All passenger accidents and connected damages, should be reported immediately. Their analysis is of key importance to introduce efficient preventive measures. • The regulations aim at the protection of life and health of the seamen, as well as to prevent material losses and environmental damage. Thus, based on the provided information, decision is made if a full inquiry into the circumstances of the accident is necessary or not. F.ex. in case of ships under the Vanuatu register, inquiry is initiated only if there are casualties or the material losses exceed 50 000USD.

18. Flammable material type

19. size of damage • In 2005 fire accidents occurrences were classified as minor in 93% as the degree of damage was little; only 7% of fires was severe and extensive • During all 29 fire accidents there were no casualties, only in 7% of accidents here were minor injuries.

20. m/v „Mystic” – fire in dry dock in Gryfia Repair Yard (1,6 mln euro damage)

21. Results (29 cases) • 41% - bulk carriers, • 34% - special ships, • 10% - general cargo vessels, • 68% - in international shipping (short sea, deep sea) • 61% - cabotage, national shipping • 79% - during repair and maintenance • 10% - dring loading/transhipment • 44% - action below 1 hour • 31% - action below 6 hours • 24% - in tanks or cargo compartment • 17% - in engine rooms • 41% - in other rooms7compartments • 37% - construction/maintenance materials • 51% - ships supply materials • 68% - during fire hazardous work and sparklig, • 17% - cigarets and other burning items belonging to workers • 72% - detected by crew or workers • 17% - detected by detectors (instaled on the ship) • 86% - efficiency of seizing the fire by fire brigades

22. OBSTACLES The circumstances in which fires occur are often difficult to determine. It is not always clear if they were caused by infringement of regulations, weather conditions, cargo properties or equipment failure. (Example:Fire accident on „Lady Racice” vessel in Gdynia on 28th Dec 2004 – in the compartments loaded with bananas and on the land flamable materials stored near the ship in fire, the fire brigades brought from the port and the city, imediate action – CO2). The control and prevention on Polish vessels registered under Polish ensign is limited as the obligation to report a fire accident are attributed to the country of flag and is done according to that country,s regulations.

23. New developments In fire fighting on ships special action has to be performed which is different from land based accidents. Each reported fire accident may cause special recommendations by inspectors as well as controls of state and condition of fire-fighting equipment on board. The risk assessment may change due to the introduction of the new equipment. At the same time along with the economic development and new products and technologies being introduced, brand new risks take place. Thus it is so important to constantly improve preventive measures. The fire fighters often make their suggestions regarding equipment systems, communication, training, changes in arragements and communication

24. Conclusion • Analysis and reports on fire cases are important for improving safety and security for people, environment and property. • They help to minimise risks, reduce the impact of casualty, develop new technics of fire fighting • They rise awarness about the hazards

25. MARITIME INSTITUTE IN GDANSK Department of Economics&Law urszula.kowalczyk@im.gda.pl www.im.gda.pl