New approach to risk management for maritime safety

Why a new approach?

In 2024, the Dutch Safety Board published the report ‘Schipperen met ruimte’ (in Dutch). The publication has led to adjustments in Dutch maritime safety policy for the North Sea. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management has decided to implement a structured risk management process. This is intended to better assess whether risks are sufficiently mitigated and whether additional measures are needed. The risk management process makes it possible to assess risks in a structured way and to gain insight into the effectiveness of measures.

‘The space available for shipping in the North Sea is decreasing, and this trend is expected to continue due to the energy transition. It is important to look ahead and understand how risks to shipping can remain manageable in a future with less space and more extreme weather conditions. That is why, together with Rijkswaterstaat and MARIN, we have conducted an extensive scenario study into risk developments in the North Sea up to 2050. The first results are expected to be published next quarter.’

Asher Boersma-Willkomm

MOSWOZ findings support the new approach

The MOSWOZ policy report and supporting document align with the Dutch Safety Board report and the new approach. The construction of new offshore wind farms increases the risks for shipping. According to the policy report, current safety measures may not be sufficient to respond to this increase and to new risks. Risk management therefore needs to become more future-proof.

What is risk management?

Risk management refers to how an organisation identifies, analyses and addresses uncertainties. Effective risk management helps prevent and mitigate harmful consequences.

The Directorate-General for Aviation and Maritime Affairs (part of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management) has developed a North Sea risk management manual based on the international standard ISO 31000. This manual is used to further develop the risk management process.

'Rijkswaterstaat and the Directorate-General for Aviation and Maritime Affairs were already doing many things well in terms of risk analysis and mitigation. However, we now have a more coherent framework to follow the cycle in a structured way. This framework also brings together substantive insights and political-administrative considerations, giving us greater control as a ministry.’

Asher Boersma-Willkomm

Implications for MOSWOZ

The adjustment of maritime safety policy also means that MOSWOZ is taking a new direction. Van Son explains: ‘It remains a research programme, but we are adopting a more structured approach focused on maritime safety as a whole. We use the DGLM manual to align research and monitoring with the new maritime safety policy. This helps us to provide well-founded advice to Rijkswaterstaat, DGLM and the Coastguard.’

Assessment criteria for spatial planning in the North Sea

MOSWOZ and DGLM are developing assessment criteria for spatial planning in the North Sea, with a focus on maritime safety. These criteria have so far been lacking, but are essential to limit safety risks for shipping in and around offshore wind farms. The development takes into account factors such as the future fleet and weather conditions.

Greater visibility

Van Son expects that stakeholders will also notice the changes in maritime safety policy: ‘We aim to reach more people and increase the visibility of MOSWOZ. One of the ways we do this is through ‘MOSWOZ on Tour’. That way, we aim to share the right knowledge with the right people at the right time. This, in turn, contributes to maritime safety.’