Maritime navigational accidents in Europe and Asia - An analysis for product development

This thesis concentrates focuses on maritime accidents and the reasons behind them. The aim is to compare accidents in Europe and Asia and whether there are differences in the reasons for between them, especially if they are based on human errors and/or cultural differences. In this research, the procedure was undertaken in three separate stages. Firstly, I analysed a selection of recent maritime accident reports as a base for the research. Maritime accidents occurring in the last 20 years (from 2000 onward) with vessels built between 1966 (Express Samina) and 2017 (TS Sola) were analysed as part of this research. Secondly, different websites, articles, presentations and commercial materials were studied to deepen the research and to support some of the findings. Finally, the available Kongsberg Onboard Advisory-, Onboard Control- and Bridge Zero-products were analysed in conjunction with the cases in terms of accident prevention, product development and sales support. The conclusion of this research is that, while the main reasons are somewhat similar – there are differences between reasons leading to accidents in Europe and Asia. This could be either cultural (communication) and/or based on differences in training. Most accidents were not caused by one single error, but a sum of multiple errors. Overall it can be said that using Kongsberg Onboard Advisory, Onboard Control and Bridge Zero onboard would have enhanced the situational awareness in all the cases and avoiding the accidents in the majority. While Kongsberg’s “autonomous final product” is still in its developing stage, it could still be used as supportive technology onboard to cover for human errors that are bound to happen. This would reduce the fatigue of the Bridge Officers and their focus could be put on more effective use in congestive seas