Survitec paper highlights maritime fire safety concerns

A Survitec white paper highlighting maritime fire safety risks has won the Safety in Maritime (Marine) award at the IBJ Awards

The paper, titled "Why Are the Fires Not Going Out? Unveiling the True Cost of Inadequate Fire Safety Inspections", exposes the widespread failures in fire safety practices that have led to an alarming increase in shipboard fire incidents worldwide.

Drawing on data and testimonies from Survitec’s certified service technicians, the white paper uncovers troubling lapses in fire safety practices. According to the paper, some ship operators are relying on untrained crews for fire safety maintenance due to post-COVID cost-cutting measures. These practices have led to avoidable system failures, such as the use of incorrect or counterfeit parts, poorly fitted equipment, and contamination of essential firefighting systems. Survitec also highlights instances of substandard inspections and approvals where safety certifications were granted despite obvious deficiencies.

Metkel Yohannes, director of Service & Rental Solutions at Survitec, said, “Shipboard fires have risen by 17% year-on-year, becoming one of the leading causes of maritime losses and the most expensive source of marine insurance claims, accounting for over 20% of total losses.

“While advancements in fire detection and protection technologies have been made, the industry is still seeing alarming levels of fire safety deficiencies, with thousands of incidents reported each year by international inspection authorities. This highlights an urgent need for improved oversight and maintenance practices across the sector.”

One example highlighted a vessel that experienced an engine room fire. While the crew successfully extinguished the flames, they discovered a fault in their high-expansion foam firefighting system, caused by a protective cap left inside the system after the installation of a new foam pump.

In another instance, a fire broke out aboard a bulk carrier in early 2024 after more than half the recently inspected and certified CO2 cylinders failed to activate.

The study also raises concerns about the growing risks of alternative fuels and lithium-ion batteries, which require specialised detection and firefighting systems. Survitec argues for more stringent oversight of service providers, urging the maritime industry to adopt higher quality control benchmarks and ensure that all fire safety inspections meet rigorous international standards.

Yohannes concluded, “Shipowners and operators need accredited partners with the expertise to ensure their safety systems perform under the most demanding conditions. Anything less is not only a false economy but a threat to crew safety and vessel integrity.”