THE BRITANNIA GROUP WHITE PAPER CLIMATE CHANGE SEVERE WEATHER AND ITS IMPACT ON SHIPPING RISKS 2 | THE BRITANNIA GROUP | WHITE PAPER CLIMATE CHANGE CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 3 SEVERE WEATHER 3 SHIPPING INDUSTRY AND SEVERE WEATHER 4 THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON SEVERE WEATHER EVENTS 8 EFFECT ON RISK EXPOSURE 11 MANAGING THE RISK AND ADAPTATION TO CHANGE 12 BIBLIOGRAPHY 14 CLIMATE CHANGE OUR PARTNER FOR THE ISSUE Triglav Maritime provides bespoke, comprehensive consultancy services focusing on risk management, loss prevention, as well as marine vetting and assurance matters. The founder, Capt. Ostrowicki has 34 years of combined command and shore-based experience. He has sailed on bulk carriers, general cargo and container ships. His shore-based experience includes ship operations and marine vetting of dry cargo ships, tankers and gas carriers, as an operations manager, marine vetting director and loss prevention manager. Capt. Ostrowicki provides expert advice on risk management and safety management processes. In addition to marine incident and claim investigations, he performs management reviews, ISM and TMSA audits and in-depth risk assessments through data analysis. He has also authored several publications. 3 | THE BRITANNIA GROUP | WHITE PAPER CLIMATE CHANGE Climate change leads to abrupt, unpredictable, and cascading impacts, resulting from complex interactions between natural and human-induced factors which are driving it. It is necessary to recognise it as an ongoing and evolving challenge that requires comprehensive and proactive responses. For this, the maritime industry needs to build resilience and be prepared to mitigate the increased risks and the associated costs. DUE TO THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE, THE FREQUENCY AND SEVERITY OF EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS IS CONTINUING TO INCREASE. As weather patterns change, locations and seasons during which these events are likely to occur are becoming hard to predict. 3 INTRODUCTION ACCORDING TO THE BROAD DEFINITION¹, SEVERE WEATHER IS ANY ASPECT OF THE WEATHER THAT POSES RISKS TO LIFE OR PROPERTY AND REQUIRES TAKING MEASURES TO MINIMISE LOSS BY MITIGATION AND AVOIDANCE. SEVERE WEATHER At sea, severe weather refers to extreme meteorological phenomena characterised by hazardous conditions and potentially dangerous impacts on maritime activities, ships and crews. It encompasses a range of adverse weather conditions that pose risks to navigation safety, maritime operations and the wellbeing of persons at sea. Examples of severe weather events affecting shipping include: • Storms and tropical storms (also called typhoons and hurricanes): Severe storms at sea are characterised by strong winds and turbulent seas. They can cause significant damage to ships, infrastructure, and coastal areas, posing risks to maritime safety and navigation. Tropical storms are amongst the deadliest weather events, historically resulting in thousands of lives lost at sea². • Rough seas: Rough seas are characterised by large waves and/or swell, resulting from high winds, storm surges or ocean currents. Rough seas can cause vessels to pitch, roll, and heave, increasing the risk of structural damage, cargo shifting, cargo loss and onboard injuries. • High winds: Strong winds can create hazardous conditions for vessels, leading to reduced manoeuvrability, increased risk of capsizing, and difficulty maintaining course and speed. In addition to open sea, they may also contribute to incidents involving ships in ports, can