Between 2020 and 2024, yacht and marina fires have emerged as a growing safety concern within the maritime sector. Compared to the relatively quiet pandemic years, there was a noticeable increase in superyacht fires during 2022 and 2023. In fact, at least 8 major yacht fires were reported globally in 2022 alone.
This clearly highlights how critical fire safety has become in marinas, especially during the busy summer season.
Where Do Most Fires Originate?
- Electrical and Battery Failures
Electrical systems onboard vessels are prone to rapid wear when exposed to marine conditions. Overloaded circuits, corroded connections, or loose shore-power cables can easily trigger a spark.
In recent years, a new risk has emerged: lithium-ion batteries.
Unsupervised charging or battery failures in scooters, e-bikes, and tenders can cause intense fires that generate their own oxygen, making suppression extremely difficult.
- Fuel and Engine Hazards
Fuel leaks + hot engine = high fire risk.
During refueling, spilled fuel or vapors can ignite within seconds when exposed to a spark. A 2025 fire aboard a motor yacht in Bodrum put not only the vessel but the entire surrounding dock arrangement at risk.
- Negligence and Flammable Material Accumulation
Unattended galley stoves, cigarette butts, poor maintenance safety practices, and flammable materials like paint, thinner, or LPG stored onboard...
These “minor oversights” remain among the most common causes of fires.
- Marina Layout and External Factors
Wooden docks, tightly packed moorings, and weak fire safety infrastructure can lead to rapid fire spread.
Strong winds, lightning strikes, or heatwaves can drastically accelerate the development and direction of a fire within minutes.
How Can These Risks Be Managed?
For marina operators and marine professionals, managing fire risks requires a combination of technology, training, and strategic planning:
✅ Regular inspection of electrical and fuel systems
✅ Lithium battery safety, designated charging zones, and use of fire blankets
✅ Fixed firefighting infrastructure (monitors, hose cabinets, detection systems)
✅ Mobile CAFS-based suppression units for rapid intervention
✅ Crew training and regular fire drills
✅ Customized emergency action plans for each marina
Smart Fire Safety Solutions from Emesco Marine
Emesco Marine delivers advanced, field-adapted solutions for yacht and marina fire protection:
🔹 Skum Monitor Systems
High-capacity foam monitors enable fast, wide-coverage response, especially around fueling stations and piers. They can be integrated into marina infrastructure as fixed or manually operated units.
🔹 Vlitex Lithium Battery Fire Blankets
Designed for rapid isolation of fires caused by electric marine equipment, these lightweight, portable, and reusable blankets greatly enhance first-response effectiveness for marina staff.
🔹 AFT CAFS Mobile Units
Compact, portable, and operable with one hand, these compressed air foam systems deliver high suppression power with minimal water use. Ideal for narrow dock spaces and confined vessel interiors, reducing collateral damage.
In addition to these solutions, Emesco Marine also provides on-site consulting, training, and implementation support — always by the side of yacht owners and marina operators.
📩 For more information, feel free to get in touch with us!