Fires on board vessels pose one of the greatest risks and challenges that can occur at sea.
Even a small fire can quickly escalate and lead to serious damage if not suppressed or controlled in time. The consequences of an uncontrolled fire can be devastating, including injury or loss of life to crew members, guests, damage to cargo, and significant damage to the vessel itself.
Fire Hazards for Marine Engine Rooms
Oil Leakage
The majority of fire incidents in marine engine rooms are caused by oil leakages, resulting from a system malfunction. Upon contact with hot engine parts and surfaces, flammable oils may ignite leading to a fire incident.
Inadequate Insulation
Inadequate insulation in marine engine rooms poses a fire risk by allowing intense engine heat to reach flammable materials, potentially causing spontaneous combustion. Excessive heat can also degrade equipment and wiring, leading to electrical faults and sparks that can trigger fires.
Electrical Equipment Malfunction
Electrical malfunctions in marine engines pose a fire risk by causing conditions like short circuits or overheating. These can generate sparks or increase ambient temperatures, igniting flammable substances. Overheating can also degrade wire insulation, leading to electrical arcs that can trigger fires.
Inadequate Maintenance
Inadequate maintenance in marine engine rooms can lead to a higher risk of fire. Neglected maintenance can result in oil leaks, fuel system malfunctions, electrical issues, and overheating - all of which can become ignition sources. Furthermore, routine inspections and maintenance are essential to ensure that fire suppression systems are functioning correctly.
Fire Suppression Challenges
Space and weight limitations
Engine rooms are typically one of the most confined spaces on board a vessel, with limited space for additional equipment or systems. This can make it challenging to install fixed fire suppression systems, particularly in older vessels where space limitations were not considered during the design phase.
Classes of fire
When the engine is in operation, the temperature of the engine and exhaust system can be so high that it can cause any fluids spilled onto its surfaces to ignite, without any external spark or flame. Marine engine rooms are subject to a combination of Class A combustible materials, Class B flammable liquids and gases, and Class C electrical equipment. Fire suppression systems must therefore be suitably certified for these classes of fire.
Why FirePro UK?
Compact and easy to install in new or retrofit projects
FirePro generators are an all-in-one container and are the equivalent of the agent storage tank, piping, and nozzles of a pressurized gas system. They are installed directly within the enclosure at risk, without the need for additional space to accommodate for the system. Furthermore, our systems are lightweight, without significantly affecting the Gross Load and performance of the vessel.
Robust with minimal maintenance requirements
FirePro systems are an ideal solution for harsh environments and remote locations, as they are non-pressurized and do not require complex maintenance procedures throughout their 15-year certified product life.
Robust with minimal maintenance requirements
Our fire suppression condensed aerosol technology is suitable for Fire Classes A, B and C and is in compliance with the Marine Equipment Directive (MED) 2014/90/EU holding Type Approvals from RINA, BV, ABS and other IACS members according to IMO Msc/Circ 1270.
