A fire on board is one of the most feared emergencies in maritime operations.
For roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) cargo ships and RoPax ferries, the statistics are alarming and the stakes are high. Recent data and incidents highlight that fire risk on these vessels is not a distant threat, but a pressing reality that demands urgent attention.
🔥 Alarming Statistics
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Frequent Occurrence:
More than 1% of vessels in the RoRo/RoPax segment experience a fire every year. -
Higher Risk vs. Other Ships:
Fires on RoRo/RoPax ferries occur at nearly twice the rate of other ship types. -
No Downward Trend:
Despite a general decline in maritime losses, fire-related losses remain steady, accounting for about 20% of total incidents. -
Severe Consequences:
Fires often result in total ship loss, fatalities, and major operational disruptions, especially on RoPax ferries.
⚠️ Causes and Consequences
Many fires originate on vehicle decks, triggered by:
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Faulty vehicles or cargo
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Malfunctioning refrigerated units
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Electrical failures
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Fuel leaks
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Overheating components
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) brings additional challenges, especially due to high-temperature battery fires.
Other fire sources include:
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Engine rooms (e.g., oil spray on hot surfaces, pipe bursts, poor maintenance)
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Passenger or galley areas (due to appliance or electrical faults)
🚢 RoRo & RoPax Design: A Fire-Prone Structure
The wide, open decks filled with tightly parked vehicles and limited fire boundaries make these vessels especially vulnerable.
🔥 A small flame can escalate within minutes, breaching passenger zones and overwhelming fixed systems.
Past incidents show how quickly such fires can turn into tragedies and cause total constructive losses if not swiftly contained.
💰 The Cost of Fire
Beyond human loss, onboard fires lead to severe economic damage:
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Destroyed vehicles, cargo, and vessels
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Insurance claims in the tens of millions
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Unplanned downtime
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Reputational harm
🚫 Improperly declared hazardous cargo remains a major factor, increasing both the frequency and severity of incidents.
Even when vessels are saved, the resulting delays and repairs are costly and time-consuming.
🛡️ Fighting Back: Improving Fire Safety
The maritime industry is enhancing fire safety through:
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✅ Continuous deck monitoring
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✅ Fast-response suppression systems
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✅ Fire-resistant materials and smarter layouts
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✅ Upgraded detection technologies
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✅ Thorough fire risk assessments
⚠️ However, no system is effective without real implementation.
Vigilance, preparedness, and engineering are crucial.
🤝 Your Partner in Fire Safety
RoRo & RoPax Ferry Fires: A Burning Issue at Sea
We help RoRo and RoPax operators minimize fire risk with high-performance fire protection solutions designed for maritime environments.
Our integrated offerings include:
🔍 Customized Detection & Suppression Systems
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Advanced systems with Hochiki smoke and heat detectors for early warning
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Skum fire monitors for powerful suppression, ideal for open/semi-enclosed decks
🧪 Operational Readiness Assessments
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Onboard technical evaluations to ensure:
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Compliance
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Performance
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Emergency readiness
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💧 Onboard Water Mist Solutions
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AFT portable systems, including:
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Handheld extinguishers
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Trolley-mounted water mist systems
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Refillable units, serviced onboard by crew
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➤ Reduces response time and eliminates dependence on shore-based service
🔧 Fire Safety Retrofits for Existing Vessels
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Tailored enhancements for your ship’s:
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Layout
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Operational needs
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Compliance standards
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📞 Let’s Talk Fire Safety
From detection to suppression, we're your trusted partner in protecting ships, people, and cargo.
Because at sea, every second counts.