The risks in shipping are unacceptable. The fire on the Fremantle Highway is proof of that. Extra measures are needed for these ‘sailing flats’ now that more often transport electric cars. This is what Gert-Jan Langerak, firefighting expert at RelyOn Nutec says.
The Fremantle Highway burned for days off the coast of Ameland. No one could board because of the huge fire in the hold of this one car carrier. This was life-threatening due to the extreme heat and the escaping gases.
There were 23 crew members on the ship when the fire broke out. One of those on board died, others were injured. Some had to jump off board – tens of meters into the depths – to escape the conflagration.
Gone wrong
Inspectors are now investigating what went wrong on the Fremantle Highway. First, because there were casualties in the accident. But also to determine the extent of the damage to the ship and the cargo.
Companies seem to consciously take risks. Everyone in the sector knows that these floating parking garages are not built for the transport of electric cars. But because there is no alternative available, shipowners sail anyway. Logical perhaps, but they urgently need to take extra security measures.
These measures are already being discussed in an international context. The Fremantle Highway is not the first ship with electric cars on board to catch fire. A similar one sank last year car carrier off the coast of the Azores.
Many ferries in Europe have since been adapted. They also see the number of EVs on board increasing. Or an operator chooses not to allow electric cars, as happened in Norway earlier this year. With an older ferry, it is sometimes not worthwhile to invest a lot of money in extra safety measures.
Less energetic
The large car transporters are less energetic. During discussions in working groups of the International Maritime Organization, they made it clear that they mainly thought it was ‘a lot of hassle’. Expensive hassle.
Shipowners, clients and chartering offices must arrange for better detectors to be installed on board, so that a fire is detected in good time. Sprinklers are also required and the crew must receive additional training. Furthermore, compartments may have to be made in the hold. As a result, hundreds of cars cannot go up in flames at the same time in the event of a fire.
They are just not waiting for it in the maritime world. Competition is fierce, fuel prices have risen sharply. In addition, the sector must invest in the transition to cleaner energy. All reasons to prefer to sail under a flag of convenience and to hire personnel in a low-wage country.
Governments can, however, impose new requirements on the sector. This is already happening for ferries within the European Union. They are already working on adjusting the designs here, with adapted ventilation, better detection and with additional extinguishing systems.
Globally, it’s a different story. The insurers must enforce change there. Not necessarily by increasing premiums on the transport of EVs. They can also think of a reduction in the premium for shipowners who already have a few decks on board their car carrier for the transport of electric cars. It’s just not something you arrange within five years. Until then, it’s waiting for the next fire.
Gert-Jan Langerak provides (fire) safety training on behalf of RelyOn Nutec to people who work at sea.