Survitec’s recent recognition at the IBJ Awards with the Safety in Maritime (Marine) accolade for its white paper, “Why Are the Fires Not Going Out? Unveiling the True Cost of Inadequate Fire Safety Inspections,” is a wake-up call for the maritime industry. This document doesn’t just skim the surface; it dives deep into the systemic risks and glaring gaps in fire safety protocols that have become all too common in today’s shipping landscape.
Drawing from a wealth of data and firsthand accounts from Survitec’s certified service technicians, the paper paints a sobering picture of the current state of maritime fire safety. The statistics are both eye-opening and alarming: shipboard fires have surged by 17% year-on-year, making them a leading cause of maritime losses and a significant contributor to marine insurance claims, now accounting for over 20% of total losses.
The report highlights a troubling trend fueled by post-pandemic cost-cutting measures. Some ship operators have opted to lean on untrained crews for fire safety maintenance, a choice that can only be described as reckless. This has led to a cascade of avoidable failures—think incorrect or counterfeit parts, poorly fitted equipment, and contamination in firefighting systems that should be pristine. The industry’s reliance on substandard inspections is equally concerning, with safety certifications being granted despite glaring deficiencies. It’s a recipe for disaster that can’t be ignored.
Take, for instance, the case of a vessel that faced an engine room fire. The crew managed to extinguish the flames but was met with a shocking revelation: a fault in their high-expansion foam firefighting system was traced back to a protective cap left inside after a new foam pump installation. Such oversights are not just embarrassing; they’re downright dangerous. Similarly, a bulk carrier fire in early 2024 resulted in $2-3 million in off-hire and repairs because over half of the recently inspected CO2 cylinders failed to activate. These incidents underscore the dire need for heightened vigilance and rigorous maintenance practices.
Moreover, the paper raises alarms about the growing risks associated with alternative fuels and lithium-ion batteries, which demand specialized detection and firefighting systems. The maritime industry must face these modern challenges head-on, and Survitec advocates for stricter oversight of service providers. The call for higher quality control benchmarks isn’t just a suggestion; it’s an imperative.
Metkel Yohannes, Director of Service & Rental Solutions at Survitec, emphasizes the necessity for shipowners and operators to partner with accredited experts who can ensure their safety systems function under the most demanding conditions. “Anything less is not only a false economy but a threat to crew safety and vessel integrity,” he asserts.
This white paper’s recognition at the IBJ Awards is more than a feather in Survitec’s cap; it’s a clarion call for the maritime sector to step up its game. The stakes are high, and the time for complacency has long passed. As the industry grapples with these revelations, it must prioritize safety and accountability to safeguard its future.
