Survitec warns of 2026 deadline for fire protection rules on RORO and ROPAX ships
Iain Hoey
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New SOLAS rule requires water monitors on vehicle decks
Survitec has reported that amendments to international maritime fire safety regulations will come into force on 1 January 2026, requiring fixed water monitors on weather decks of RORO and ROPAX ships.
The change was approved at the International Maritime Organization’s 107th Maritime Safety Committee session and modifies SOLAS Chapter II-2 and the FSS Code.
The regulatory update responds to the growing number of fires involving vehicle cargo, including incidents with electric vehicles, which have shown the limitations of current fire suppression systems.
Survitec outlines fire risks and design constraints
According to Rafał Kołodziejski, Head of Product Support and Development – Fire Systems at Survitec, the layout of vehicle decks increases the risk of fire escalation.
Kołodziejski said: “The open and expansive nature of vehicle decks means that a fire can escalate very quickly, potentially spreading across the entire length of the ship.
“This incoming regulatory requirement puts a renewed focus on practical fire suppression systems that can be deployed quickly and effectively to extinguish or control a fire in these large, open deck spaces.”
Fixed water monitors are intended to provide targeted coverage beyond what is possible with sprinkler or deluge systems, especially in areas that are hard to retrofit.
Technical specifications for compliance explained
Survitec noted that the new rules will require two fixed water monitors for ships with a breadth of less than 30 metres and four for ships wider than this.
Each monitor must deliver at least 2.0 litres per minute per square metre, with a total minimum flow rate of 1,250 litres per minute.
The company added that options exist for manually operated, self-oscillating, hydraulic, and electrically controlled systems, offering shipowners choices suited to their vessel configurations.
Equipment selection depends on layout and usage
Michał Sadzyński, Product Manager at Survitec, explained that choosing the correct system is dependent on several operational factors.
Sadzyński stated: “Understanding how to interpret and apply the new rules is as important as the technical specification of the equipment itself.
“We can advise customers on the various monitor types that can be implemented to meet the new requirements, including manually operated, self-oscillating, hydraulic, and electrically controlled systems.
“Each type brings different advantages depending on the ship’s configuration, operating conditions, and available firefighting infrastructure.”
He added that material durability and ease of maintenance are important considerations, particularly for ships operating in challenging environments.
Fixed monitors seen as key to faster suppression
Kołodziejski added that early detection remains a critical safety factor, but rapid suppression using fixed monitors provides a necessary secondary defence.
Kołodziejski said: “Prevention is always better than cure, especially where EV fires are concerned.
“Early monitoring and detection of fire remain key safety factors, but fixed water monitors can play a vital role in supporting a rapid, targeted response to contain and suppress fire.”
He also noted: “Many in the industry are still unaware of the upcoming 2026 deadline.
“As the Team Trusted to Protect Lives, we welcome the opportunity to support our customers with this important development.
“While the regulation change represents a technical requirement, it is also a vital step forward in protecting lives and assets at sea.”
Fire safety regulations for RORO and ROPAX ships to change from 2026: Summary
Survitec has reported that new IMO rules for RORO and ROPAX ships will take effect from 1 January 2026.
The regulations will require fixed water monitors on vehicle decks under changes to SOLAS Chapter II-2 and the FSS Code.
The change follows fires involving vehicle cargo, including electric vehicles.
Survitec explained that deck layout affects fire escalation and suppression requirements.
Fixed monitors offer targeted coverage that can be more effective than traditional systems.
Ships under 30 metres wide must install two monitors.
Ships 30 metres or wider must install four monitors.
Each monitor must deliver a flow of at least 2.0 litres per minute per square metre.
Total flow from all monitors must be at least 1,250 litres per minute.
Survitec stated that both manual and remote-controlled options are available.
Environmental conditions, ship design, and water supply all influence equipment selection.
Survitec warned that many operators may be unaware of the deadline.
The company is offering technical advice to help ensure compliance.