The recent Kerala maritime incidents of a fire-affected ship drifting ashore in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the coast of Kerala have once again drawn attention to the vulnerabilities of maritime navigation. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is actively engaged in rescue efforts and towing operations, ensuring the safety of the crew and preventing any environmental hazards. This incident comes after a similar incident last month, when a container ship sank off the coast of Kerala, spilling hazardous cargo ashore. These frequent accidents have raised concerns about maritime safety, environmental risks, and the readiness of disaster response mechanisms.
Understanding maritime risks
Maritime shipping is a vital component of global trade, but it has many inherent risks – some predictable, others sudden and severe.
1. Natural hazards:
Sea travel faces both predictable risks, such as storms and freezing conditions, and unpredictable hazards such as tsunamis or underwater obstacles such as mines and sunken wrecks. These threats are further aggravated in busy waterways such as the Suez or Panama Canals, where narrower canals and more traffic increase the likelihood of accidents.
2. Ship condition and traffic density:
The increase in the number of vessels and cargo ships, often operating beyond their prime age and technical life span, has increased the likelihood of technical failures and structural weaknesses, making them prone to disasters.
3. Emerging risks from cargo:
The transport of dangerous goods – including hazardous chemicals, nuclear waste and explosive materials – adds another layer of risk. If such cargoes are spilled or improperly handled during accidents, they can cause extensive damage.
4. Human and external factors:
Maritime accidents are also often caused by human error, including poor navigation, inadequate training or fatigue. Other threats include piracy, terrorism and even war, all of which pose serious challenges to maritime safety.
Consequences of maritime disasters
The effects of maritime accidents go far beyond the immediate loss of ships and cargo:
- Environmental damage:
Oil spills and chemical spills can cause severe marine pollution, killing marine life and disrupting ecosystems. Ballast water from ships can lead to invasive species, further threatening biodiversity. - Health hazards:
Chemicals and toxins released during accidents can harm coastal communities and response teams. Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic respiratory or skin problems and other long-term health complications. - Economic and social impacts:
Coastal pollution can affect fishing industries and tourism, two major sources of livelihood for coastal populations. The cost of clean-up operations, combined with lost tourist revenue and property devaluation, can severely impact local economies.
| Read now: Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY): India’s Clean Cooking Revolution for Rural Households |
Global frameworks for maritime safety
To mitigate these disasters and manage their aftermath, a number of international conventions have been developed:
- MARPOL Convention (1973): Focuses on preventing marine pollution from ships, particularly from oil spills. India is a signatory to this important agreement.
- Bunker Convention (2001): Ensures that shipowners are liable for pollution caused by fuel oil and mandates insurance coverage for affected parties.
- Wreck Removal Convention (2007): Gives countries the legal right to remove sunken or stranded ships that pose navigational or environmental hazards.
- HNS Convention (1996): Provides for compensation in case of damage caused by hazardous and noxious substances carried by sea.
However, India is currently only a signatory to the MARPOL Convention, indicating the need for wider participation in global safety and compensation frameworks.
| Join Now | |
| Telegram | Join Now |