Technical
Best Practices & Design Improvement Items – Part II
Following “Best Practices & Design Improvement Items – Part I”, published in the previous issue of Wavelength, the following additional measures have been adopted on board Company vessels with the aim of enhancing Ship and Crew safety and security: • Fire Prevention • P rotection against flooding • Safety for Crew • Security
Fire Prevention Fires and explosions are the third largest cause of accidents, after collision and grounding. Fires on board ships are a complex problem and there are many potential consequences of a fire breaking out, including extensive damage, a collapse of infrastructure, explosions, loss of life, or even a total loss. In most cases, a fire starts as a small smouldering fire and then, after an incipient phase, it starts to spread very quickly. The spread of a fire is heavily dependent on ventilation and available fuel. Many studies and fire investigations have concluded that a quick response to a fire is the most important safety precaution. Hence, the implementation of fire safety systems based on Maritime Rules and Industry Standards on board Company vessels is crucial for preventing and overcoming the fire hazard. a. Fire detectors in public spaces and cabins Industry Standards require vessels to have an automatic system of fire detection in the accommodation, wheelhouse, Cargo Control Room (CCR), laundry, drying room, fire control station, pantry and galley areas. Furthermore, a fire detection system covering all cabins in addition to public rooms is strongly preferred. Figure 1: Fire detector in cabin To further enhance fire safety, some vessels of the fleet are also equipped with fire detectors installed inside the accommodation cabins and the same will be applied in the Company’s newbuilding projects.
Figure 2: Fire Detector in paint store, Deck House (BWTS) and Laundry
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Issue 76-June 2021
b. CO2 Fire extinguishing system i.w.o mast riser This system is not required by the Rules or SOLAS. However, its ability to deal with a fire on deck renders this modification a best practice to be applied. By Natassa Sakellariou and Christina Toki The gas mast riser is protected by a local CO2 system which is located in a suitable space (i.e cargo gear station, fire station on upper deck etc), while the system is manually operated from the CO2 cylinder location.
Figure 3: CO2 Fire extinguishing system for mast riser
Furthermore, for safety reasons an additional control valve arrangement has been applied, allowing the remote control of the mast riser isolation valve from the Cargo Control Room. The same has been adopted as a standard design improvement item by the Company and has already been installed in several fleet vessels.
Figure 4: Remotely controlled mast riser isolation valve (from CCR)
