Internationalization of domestic transportation systems and safety

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss potential safety consequences of increasing internationalization in the domestic coastal sea transportation industry in Norway. Historical developments in the Norwegian maritime industry are compared and discussed in relation to changes in long-haul road transportation and aviation. To set the stage for a discussion of potential safety implications, we consider regulatory challenges associated with increased internationalization. Some questions this paper seeks to answer are: Have resources allocated to safety measures changed as a consequence of the internationalization of transportation systems? Have actual work practices improved or been impeded as a result of the new circumstances affecting the transportation industry? Our paper is based on data from several projects carried out in recent years, providing both qualitative data from interviews and quantitative findings from surveys. The main source of information, however, is the ongoing project Managing transport safety in the context of global competition (Insikt), 2015–2017.