New research from ShipIn Systems PBC and NorthStandard shows that vessel-based risk is not only concentrated among a smaller proportion of vessels, but can also be identified through measurable operational patterns, giving ship and shore teams the opportunity to intervene earlier, focus support where it is most needed and prevent emerging issues from becoming incidents.

Maritime risk is not evenly distributed across fleets. New research from ShipIn Systems, PBC and NorthStandard finds that a relatively small group of vessels accounts for the majority of accidents, and that the operational patterns behind that risk are often visible well before an incident occurs.

The Maritime Risk Report 2026, combining Lloyd’s List Intelligence SeaSearcher casualty data with operational analysis from ShipIn’s FleetVision™ platform, found that 29% of vessels accounted for nearly 70% of reported accidents. The finding challenges uniform approaches to fleet safety and points to a more targeted model: identify where risk is concentrating and direct attention there first.

The warning signs are measurable. Vessels with FleetVision scores below 75 recorded accident rates 5.7 times higher than vessels scoring above 85. Lower-performing vessels also generated significantly more recurring deviations across bridge operations, deck safety, mooring activity and PPE compliance, showing that everyday operating patterns can provide early indicators of elevated accident risk.

“Safety is still too often measured after the fact,” said Osher Perry, Founder and CEO of ShipIn Systems. “What this research shows is that risk is visible much earlier, embedded in everyday operations. When operators can see where those patterns are developing and which vessels they are concentrated on, they can act before they become incidents.”

The report also shows that those patterns can change. Across a separate cohort of 250 vessels monitored continuously for 12 months, average operational deviations fell from approximately 230 per vessel per month to eight, a 96% reduction. Improvements were sustained across bridge, deck safety and PPE activity.

The implication for fleet managers is direct. If risk is concentrated, safety attention should be concentrated too. Continuous operational insight allows fleets to identify which vessels need support, focus intervention on recurring behaviours and measure whether conditions improve over time.

“The industry does not lack operational data. The challenge is turning that information into timely, practical action,” said Colin Gillespie, Global Head of Loss Prevention at NorthStandard. “Our goal is to help our members identify and address risk earlier. When ship and shore teams can see the same evidence, they can address emerging risk together and reinforce a proactive safety culture across the fleet.”

The findings point to a more proactive model for maritime safety: observe where risk is building, resolve issues before they become accidents or losses, and adopt safer operating practices across the fleet.