Preventing Ro-Ro fires

The briefing has been produced because fires onboard these vessels are on the increase. Ro-Ro’s are now twice as likely to catch fire as other ships and vehicle-deck fires are notoriously difficult to contain and put out.

Colin Gillespie, deputy loss prevention director, at the North P&I Club, said: “We continue to see fires developing on ro-ro vessels that can quickly get out of control, putting lives at risk as well as causing significant damage to the vessel and cargo.”

Vehicle fires collectively account for a large number of fires but there are different sources of ignition. Electrical fires in vehicles are common, with increasingly sophisticated electronics – particularly in hybrid and electric cars – meaning new cars can be just as hazardous as used ones unless properly isolated.

Fires in vehicle cabs are also common, while other causes include hot engines, discarded cigarettes and fuel leaks.

“As in every incident where fires are involved, early detection is key,” said Mr Gillespie.

“Modern, well-maintained fire-detection systems are capable of identifying the location of smoke and fire to a reasonable degree of accuracy. It is important that the crew understand these systems and that alarms are properly investigated.”

Once detected, North says it is vital to contain a fire, which means making sure all ventilators are properly closed – particularly if a carbon dioxide suppression system is being used. Just a small gap in one louvre housing can render the system ineffective.

Mr Gillespie added that if water drenching systems or fire hoses are used – including for boundary cooling – it is vital to check the water is draining away and not destabilising the vessel through free-surface effects.

North says that above all though a well-maintained vessel manned with a well-drilled crew is imperative in dealing with any crisis.

The new 10-page briefing, which is free to download from the Club’s website.