Fire safety in the container shipping industry has emerged as a critical issue, especially with the rise of ultra-large vessels boasting capacities of 20,000 TEU and more. A fire in a single container can pose severe risks to the entire cargo, which typically consists of high-value finished goods. A notable incident that highlights these dangers occurred in March 2018 on the Maersk Honam, where a fire broke out while carrying 7,860 containers. Despite being equipped with advanced fire-fighting equipment, the fire was catastrophic, resulting in five crew fatalities and damages in the hundreds of millions, with total loss estimates exceeding $1 billion. The salvage operation took weeks, underscoring the severe implications of such incidents.
One of the primary challenges in combating fires aboard these massive vessels is inadequate declaration of cargo. Ship firefighters often lack critical information about the materials they are dealing with, complicating suppression efforts. Industry experts from insurers like Allianz and the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) urge that both ship design and regulatory frameworks governing fire-fighting equipment need urgent updates to adapt to the evolving scale of container ships.
While the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has recognized the need for improved fire protection in its guidelines, implementing these rules can take years. Additionally, many firefighting systems onboard are outdated; for example, CO2 deployment systems, effective below deck, are often inadequate for container fires because the gas cannot penetrate container walls, allowing fires to reignite due to trapped oxygen.
Recent changes have been initiated by companies like Maersk, which enhanced their safety protocols post-Honam fire by repositioning hazardous cargo away from critical areas of the ship. However, these modifications rely heavily on accurate cargo declarations, which are often overlooked, exposing the industry to greater risks.
Legislation now mandates that recent container ships must be equipped with water mist systems capable of penetrating container walls, but there remain gaps. Many deployments are insufficient, particularly with reduced crew sizes which limit regular monitoring of container conditions.
Survitec has introduced innovative solutions like the Novenco Fire Fighting XFlow Mobile Water Monitor and a Water Mist Lance, aimed at enhancing firefighting capabilities onboard. These tools allow for effective, targeted fire control, designed for rapid deployment by a single crew member with minimal risk. The Mobile Water Monitor features a dual-purpose nozzle capable of reaching up to 40 meters and can protect multiple tiers of containers simultaneously. Moreover, both systems feature design elements intended for ease of use and efficient mobilization.
Regular inspections and servicing are essential for maximizing the effectiveness of these safety systems, as highlighted by Survitec’s focus on maintaining operational readiness. In conclusion, while the industry faces significant challenges regarding fire safety on large container ships, ongoing advancements in technology and regulatory frameworks can improve safety measures and response capabilities moving forward.
