Failure of naval transport
Maritime transport refers to the transport of goods and passengers by inland vessels on rivers and canals, or by vessels that sail (partly) at sea. A failure occurs when an event disrupts the safety and fluidity of naval transport.
Risks and causes
Causes
Consequences
What can you do?
Will you be sailing at sea? You must comply with international and national safety requirements, and be aware of messages to navigators.
Impact and probability
The figures relating to probability and impact describe a extreme failure of naval transport. The BNRA theoretically describes such a scenario as follows:
- A failure which lasted more than 10 days and affected the whole country.
- The impact is significant due to the large number of vessels and strategic routes affected.
- This scenario is characterised by the destruction of vital infrastructure and supply chains.
How should you interpret these results?
Within the BNRA, experts assessed three scenarios for each risk: considerable, major or extreme. On each page, you will find the results of the scenario with the highest score based on the combination of likelihood and impact. This does not mean that this scenario will occur or is the most likely. Read more here about how to correctly interpret the results.
Probability
Weak
Human impact
Weak
Societal impact
Moderate
Environmental impact
No impact
Financial impact
Moderate
What do the authorities do?
The Belgian Coast Guard is a partnership between the Governor of West Flanders and 17 Flemish and federal public bodies with jurisdiction over the sea.
The FPS Mobility and Transport ensures maritime safety in three ways:
- It tracks all Belgian ships around the world.
- It monitors all foreign ships docking at Belgian ports.
- It monitors all critical functions and sites in ports and port facilities.
The Shipping Assistance Division of the Maritime and Coastal Services Agency ensures the safety and fluidity of maritime traffic on maritime access routes. The service provides efficient assistance from land via Vessel Traffic Services or, in an emergency, via the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre.
If there is an incident that requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach, a governor triggers, for example, the general emergency and intervention plan for the North Sea or the special emergency and intervention plan for the Lower Scheldt.