IMO Considers New Fire Safety Measures for Containerships

With an increase in the number of serious fires aboard containerships in recent years, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is considering a raft of new fire safety measures related to locating, containing and fighting fires on such vessels. 

Matters related to fire protection and life-saving appliances are managed by the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE), which reports in to the Maritime Safety Committee. 

Amongst the new measures being considered by the Sub-Committee include: 

• Requirements for portable infrared thermal imagers, suitable for screening containers and detecting hot areas.
   
• Requirements and performance standards for water mist lances, including means for extended reach into containers.
   
• Requirements and performance standards for mobile water monitors and fixed water monitors.
   
• Water protection systems below the hatch coaming and pontoon hatches. 

The IMO is also placing a greater emphasis on minimising risks to crew when conducting firefighting operations. 

As Katherine Ilje Nerland, Senior Principal Engineer and safety regulation expert at DNV, characterised it: 

“It’s important that regulatory updates improve technical safety without introducing new challenges, balancing the need to tackle fires with prioritising crew safety and welfare”.

In addition to proposing new fire safety measures, the Sub-Committee is also looking at the carriage of lithium-ion batteries (and lithium-ion containing electric vehicles) more closely. 

The IMO is examining whether the carriage of lithium-ion batteries entails additional fire risks - and, if so - implementing an action plan. It is thought that this action plan would evaluate the adequacy of fire protection, detection, and extinguishing arrangements in vehicles, special category, and ro-ro spaces in order to reduce the fire risk of ships carrying new-energy vehicles. 

Other issues that are currently being examined by the IMO include: 

• A revision of SOLAS Chapter II-1 that addresses both traditional and non-traditional propulsion and steering systems.
   
• A revision of the “Interim Explanatory Notes for the Assessment of Passenger Ship Systems’ Capabilities After a Fire or Flooding Casualty” (MSC.1/Circ. 1369). This revision will aim to facilitate a uniform implementation of the Safe Return to Port concept (that in the event of a flooding or fire incident, a ship should be able to return to port with its own machinery and provide a safe area for everyone on board).
   
• The development of a non-mandatory, goal-based code for the operation of autonomous ships (with the code potentially becoming mandatory upon experience with its application).

Fire response and investigation services

Major fires and/or explosions on vessels and shore-side infrastructure are amongst the greatest hazards facing the global maritime industry. 

If you need assistance with fire safety/prevention or the investigation of a fire or explosion incident, Brookes Bell can help. 

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