- Enter the IMCA Awards 2024: We\'re looking for outstanding Safety, Sustainability, and GHG projects.
- IP Code: Mandatory Code enters into force on 1 July. Make sure your company is up to speed with the changes.
- Early Bird tickets available for the IMCA Global Summit 2024. 3-4 December, Utrecht, Netherlands. Members can save £400.
- Discover how we are helping Members reduce emissions: Explore the ProjectGHG hub now.
- Now booking. Join the Lifting and Rigging community at our Technical Seminar in Amsterdam. Thursday 12 September 2024
- Now booking. Underwater Ship Husbandry Seminar. 10 October 2024, Singapore.
Engine room fire on a ferry
The Bahamas Maritime Authority has published a report into an engine room fire on board the ferry Pride of Hull in October 2020.
What happened
A fire was detected onboard the “roll-on roll-off” passenger ferry Pride of Hull when it was outbound in the Humber Estuary, UK. The fire was detected in the vicinity of the thermal oil circulation pumps, part of the vessel’s heat reclamation and transfer system. Shortly afterwards, the vessel lost electrical power and propulsion but used remaining headway to anchor safely. The vessel’s Hi-Fog fire suppression system activated automatically but did not operate as anticipated and could not control the fire, which was extinguished using the vessel’s fixed CO2 system. The vessel returned to port, under its own power, the next day. No one was hurt, damage was limited and there was no pollution.
What went wrong
The Bahamas Maritime Authority report noted the following:
- Bearing failures: examination of the thermal oil circulation pump identified that progressive bearing failures resulted in extreme frictional heating, generating temperatures in the order of 1,200°C, far in excess of the auto-ignition temperature of the thermal oil used in the system;
- Compromised fire suppression systems: Assessment of the fire suppression system identified that the system’s effectiveness was compromised by pump output when multiple zones were activated and its dependence on a domestic fresh water pump to maintain supply for longer than two minutes. Additionally, the system’s pumps were not connected to the emergency switchboard and therefore stopped when the vessel lost electrical power. These limitations were compliant with requirements but were not reflected in emergency response guidance.
Lessons learned
- Frequent failure of equipment generally indicates a weakness in the system. Identification of causal factors can facilitate a discussion with the equipment’s manufacturers to identify effective remedial actions;
- Any engineering change or modification of equipment should be preceded by a management of change (MoC) assessment to ensure the modification does not have unwanted impact on the operation of the equipment or associated systems;
- Older fire suppression systems (from before 2010) installed in machinery spaces may not be as effective as those installed later. Check that the system design meets current requirements and ensure that contingency plans reflect any limitations;
- Fire suppression systems that are not connected to the emergency power supply will not work when the vessel loses mains power. Water mist systems do not work if their water supply is compromised. If the system is dependent on separate feed pumps, these should be connected to the emergency switchboard and activate automatically;
- Thermal imaging cameras are an excellent tool for identifying the seat of a fire, especially in reduced visibility;
- Re-entry into a space after CO2 flooding carries a risk. CO2 has a limited cooling effect on temperatures at the seat of a fire and does not remove fuel. Entering the space too soon may allow entry of oxygen and can cause the fire to reignite.
Members may wish to refer to:
Safety Event
Published: 28 January 2022
Download: IMCA SF 03/22
IMCA Safety Flashes
Submit a Report
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of all. The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on Members sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Please consider adding [email protected] to your internal distribution list for safety alerts or manually submitting information on incidents you consider may be relevant. All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate.
IMCA’s store terms and conditions (https://www.imca-int.com/legal-notices/terms/) apply to all downloads from IMCA’s website, including this document.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data contained in the documents it publishes, but IMCA shall not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained. The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual’s or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.