Tech call for early fire detection solutions

Launched in February this year by Safetytech Accelerator, the Cargo Fire & Loss Innovation Initiative (CFLII) comprises Lloyd’s Register, Seaspan, Evergreen Line, HMM, Maersk, the Offen Group and ONE. It aims to reduce cargo loss at sea by determining requirements, identifying technology solutions, undertaking trials and developing best practices and recommendations.

Of key focus is the need for improved fire detection in container cargo holds. Identifying a fire risk and preventing it happening as well as detecting fires as soon as they begin is particularly important.

“Precious minutes lost in identifying cargo hold fires can make the difference between minor and major losses,” said Alfred Gomez, director marine standards and designated person ashore at Seaspan.

“Ships are larger in size and have exponentially increased their carrying capacity, including dangerous goods, increasing the risk of threat to the safety of lives, vessel, cargo and the environment.

“There has been little or no innovation in fire detection systems in the cargo hold to keep up with the way shipping has evolved,” he added.

The initiative is therefore urging technology companies to identify ways to better detect early fires in cargo holds and is looking for ‘low-cost, robust’ solutions that can operator in the cargo hold environment.

Interested companies are being encouraged to submit applications here by the end of May.