Projects

Safety of Shipping in Coastal Waters (SAFECO)

Duration: 01.01.1996 – 31.10.1998 (34 months)

Coordination: Det Norske Veritas (Norway)

Partners: Instituto Superior Técnico (Portugal), Danish Maritime Institute (Denmark), Rotterdam Port Authority (The Netherlands), Kelvin Hughes (United Kingdom), National Technical University of Athens (Greece), Kongsberg Norcontrol Systems (Norway), Riso National Laboratories (Denmark), Marine Safety International Rotterdam (The Netherlands), Marintek (Norway)

Funding Entity: EU -TRANSPORT Programme

The principal aim of the SAFECO project was to determine factors that could increase the safety of shipping in coastal waters by analysing the underlying factors contributing to the marine accident risk level. This has been achieved through research and development related to a range of marine risk control options (Project Partner results). The SAFECO project has constructed a quantitative risk model, called MARCS (Marine Accident Risk Calculation System) which enables the assessment of each set of Project Partner results within a single framework. Historical accident data have been analysed to establish the basis for both risk modelling of individual parts that do not have generic models and validation of the overall model. Independent data sources were consequently needed. This work has enabled the systematic identification and ranking of causes, conditions and risk reduction measures, which most significantly affect risk levels. The main objective of this project was to increase the safety of shipping in coastal waters by analysing the underlying factors that contribute to the accident risk level. This was achieved by detailed evaluation of a range of safety critical functions by recognised experts by the project partners. The effect of each function was assessed by the construction of a risk evaluation methodology and the implementation of a risk model. Analysis of the model results identified the most important influences on ship safety for European coastal traffic. This was conducted with the goal to establish a basis for evaluating measures supporting total quality operation of ships.

Project Team

Associated Publications