Ferry fire prompts recommendations

Initial findings by the team investigating the engine room fire on board the Norwegian passenger ferry

Prinsesse Ragnhild

have prompted The Swedish Club to issue new recommendations to its members. The recommendations have been made in line with the information-sharing objectives of the Club’s engine room fire prevention programme, an initiative involving more than 300 chief engineers.

Prinsesse Ragnhild (which was not entered with The Swedish Club) reported fire in its engine room while transiting Swedish waters on June 8. All 1,300 passengers and crew were safely evacuated.

The preliminary investigation into the casualty suggests that an oil spray from a broken fuel line initiated the fire. Investigators are still examining the causal factors, together with the response to the emergency.

In the light of what is known, the Club has issued four recommendations. The first is to check to confirm that fuel and oil connections to main and auxiliary machinery are in good condition. The second is to check to ensure that hot surfaces are adequately shielded with insulation and protective cladding. The Club also recommends checks to verify that rubber hoses for fuel and lube oil on auxiliary engines are in good condition, and checks to confirm the serviceability of fixed firefighting systems.