Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Ship Collision Risk: Insights from AIS Data in the Bass Strait Waters, Australia

The ever-increasing volume of maritime freight increases the risk of ship collisions with devastating consequences. This study conducts a hotspot analysis to address this safety concern. Using Automatic Identification System data in the Bass Strait waters, Australia, the main results are as follows: First, the Getis-Ord general Gi* statistic shows that most of the Bass Strait waters have a low collision risk on a monthly basis, which can be classified into five clusters. Second, the spatial hotspot analysis identifies the Sydney-Melbourne route as the major shipping route with the highest collision risk, followed by the Melbourne-West Coast of Tasmania route, and the Melbourne-Devonport route. Third, ship collision risk maps for different time periods visualize the Port of Melbourne and Devonport as high-risk areas due to their persistently high Getis-Ord Gi* statistics. Finally, ship collision risk in the Bass Strait waters shows clear monthly and hourly trends as well as seasonal and day-night variations. These results provide valuable insights for enhancing vessel maneuverability and strategic channel coordination, thereby reducing the likelihood of ship collisions.