Survitec report highlights gaps in maritime fire safety

A white paper by Survitec has won the Safety in Maritime (Marine) award at the International Bulk Journal (IBJ) Awards.

The document, titled Why Are the Fires Not Going Out? Unveiling the True Cost of Inadequate Fire Safety Inspections, focuses on critical lapses in fire safety practices across the maritime sector.

According to the paper, systemic risks and post-pandemic cost-cutting measures have contributed to a rise in shipboard fire incidents globally.

Survitec’s research draws on data and testimonies from its network of service technicians.

The findings reveal that untrained crews often perform fire safety maintenance, leading to system failures such as incorrect installations, counterfeit parts, and poorly fitted equipment.

Fire safety lapses and real-world consequences

The white paper highlights examples of fire safety failures and their consequences.

In one case, a vessel’s high-expansion foam system failed during an engine room fire due to a blockage caused by a protective cap left in the system during installation.

Another incident in early 2024 involved a bulk carrier fire, which resulted in $2-3 million USD in damages.

Over half of the CO2 cylinders recently inspected and certified failed to activate during the emergency.

Survitec’s study also warns of emerging risks linked to alternative fuels and lithium-ion batteries, emphasising the need for specialised detection and firefighting systems.

Call for industry-wide improvements

Metkel Yohannes, Director of Service & Rental Solutions at Survitec, stressed the importance of improved fire safety standards:

“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.”

Yohannes added: “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.”

Survitec urges the maritime industry to implement stricter oversight and quality control measures for safety inspections.

Award underscores importance of fire safety in maritime

The IBJ Awards’ recognition of Survitec’s white paper highlights ongoing concerns about fire safety in the maritime industry.

The paper advocates for the adoption of international standards and calls for accredited safety partners to ensure compliance with rigorous benchmarks.

Yohannes noted:

“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.”

The award-winning paper aims to drive meaningful change within the maritime sector.

Survitec white paper recognised at IBJ Awards for safety insights: Summary

A Survitec white paper titled Why Are the Fires Not Going Out? Unveiling the True Cost of Inadequate Fire Safety Inspections won the Safety in Maritime (Marine) award at the IBJ Awards.

It highlights systemic risks in fire safety practices, with examples of maintenance failures and untrained crews leading to shipboard incidents.

One case involved a vessel where fire system blockages went undetected due to poor maintenance, while another saw a bulk carrier suffer millions in damages after CO2 systems failed.

The study also addresses emerging risks from alternative fuels and lithium-ion batteries, calling for stricter standards and accredited service providers.

Metkel Yohannes of Survitec emphasised the need for improved oversight, noting that shipboard fires are a leading cause of maritime losses.

The award reinforces the importance of addressing these issues across the industry.