The number of injuries reported to UFDS seems to have stabilized at the same level as in 2019 and earlier, while the frequency continues to decrease, to the delight of CEO Christina Bustrup.
The Danish Shipowners’ Accident Insurance Association is preparing the company's annual report for 2025, which includes a statement of the number of claims reported to UFDS, how many have been submitted to the Labor Market Insurance (AES) and how the frequency is developing.
A total of 636 claims were reported in 2025, which is on a par with the 632 claims reported in 2024. The number of claims appears to have stabilized at the same level as in 2019 and earlier, as shown in the table below.
The frequency, defined as the number of reported claims divided by the number of days of employment in 10,000, is unchanged in 2025 compared to 2024. Seen over a 10-year perspective, there is a trend of decreasing frequency, which is satisfactory.
»This underlines the picture we have seen for a number of years now, namely that it has become safer to work on board Danish shipping companies' vessels. And this is to the benefit of all parties – both the employees, the Danish shipping companies and UFDS,« says CEO of UFDS, Christina Bustrup.
Proactive efforts make a difference
In general, UFDS sees a market development where the composition of goods is changing, so that a larger part of the freight segment entails increased risk during transit. However, this development is expected to be countered by the Danish shipping companies through adaptations in both ship design and operational processes – as has historically also happened in other segments.
In addition, UFDS continues to strengthen the proactive approach to claims handling with early contact with the injured party, which is the starting point for the best possible handling of a case from accident to eventual compensation.
»The shipping industry is constantly evolving – also in the direction of new fuels, which in itself is accompanied by new risks – but so does our members' approach to safety. We therefore have a clear expectation that the positive injury history will continue in the coming years,« Christina Bustrup says.
The number of insured seafarers in 2025 is on a par with 2024 with an increase just under 1 percent, primarily in the Offshore/service segment.
