Global survival technology solutions provider Survitec has welcomed the new guidance from classification society DNV on fire safety arrangements for methanol-fuelled vessels. However, Survitec believes that more work is necessary to ensure complete fire safety for ships operating on methanol.
Survitec’s recent study, published in the White Paper titled ‘Do We Need New Fire Safety Standards for Methanol?’, was unveiled to the industry at the SMM trade fair in Hamburg, Germany. The findings of this study highlight significant shortcomings in existing fire-fighting methods when applied to methanol fires.
Key Findings from the Survitec Study
The Survitec study reveals that current fire-fighting methods, particularly water mist-based Local Application Firefighting (LAFF) systems, are inadequate for tackling methanol fires. “Current water mist-based LAFF arrangements had no effect on a methanol fire even after five minutes of continuous operation,” stated Michał Sadzyński, Product Manager for Water Mist Systems at Survitec.
The research identified two critical factors for extinguishing a methanol engine room fire: the volume of water released under pressure and the discharge pattern. Adjustments to the water pump supply and the spacing and placement height of the water mist nozzles were found to be necessary to achieve effective coverage and fully extinguish the fire.
Recommended Enhancements
Sadzyński further explained, “While the LAFF system is a localized first-response system focused on the most likely source of a fire, generally the engine, a gas-based Total Flooding solution, such as CO2 or Survitec 1230 Clean Agent, will also be required to cover the entire machinery space.”
Additionally, the study found that traditional firefighting foams used for hydrocarbon fires are insufficient for methanol. Even alcohol-resistant foams, when used with conventional nozzles and water
ratios, proved ineffective. In response, Survitec has developed new nozzle adaptors that allow foam to expand within the space, effectively addressing methanol, diesel, heptane, and lubrication oil fires. Trials confirmed that fluorine-free alcohol-resistant foam, when used with the new adaptor, performed as well as standard AFFF alcohol-resistant foams in methanol fires.
Need for Comprehensive Guidelines
Maciej Nieścioruk, Product Manager for Foam and Clean Agent Systems at Survitec, noted, “DNV-RU-SHIP Pt.6 provides additional guidance on Total Flooding, Bilge Foam, and Local Fire Fighting requirements for methanol engines, clarifying international guidelines under IMO’s MSC.1/Circ.1621. However, we still believe more needs to be done.”
A particular concern highlighted by Survitec is the lack of clear test protocols for alcohol-based fires in international guidelines. Current firefighting systems, foams, and nozzle configurations designed for hydrocarbon fires are ineffective against alcohol-based fuel fires, necessitating adapted systems and rigorous lab testing.
Nieścioruk emphasized, “Local Application Firefighting systems are not covered at all in the IMO rules, and there is no mention of any fire safety adjustments required for methanol (CH3OH) as a marine fuel. Some classification societies like DNV are starting to specify additional requirements, but more comprehensive measures are needed.”
Survitec’s Ongoing Efforts
Survitec’s tests at the RISE Fire Research Laboratory in Trondheim, Norway, one of the world’s largest fire research organizations, demonstrated that for Category A Machinery Spaces, three separate systems are required to protect ships and crews from methanol-fuelled engine fires.
Survitec is actively working to raise awareness about the unique challenges of methanol fire safety. The company is engaging with other classification societies and shipyards to develop comprehensive safety requirements for all vessel types.
“We encourage all stakeholders to come together to address methanol’s unique fire risks and create clear standards, new testing protocols, and updated safety rules to ensure the safety of our vessels and crews,” concluded Sadzyński.
The Survitec White Paper ‘Do we need new fire safety standards for methanol?’ can be downloaded by clicking this link.
About Survitec
Survitec is a global leader in survival technology serving the maritime, defense, aerospace, and energy sectors. With over 3,000 employees, 11 manufacturing facilities, and more than 400 service centers worldwide, Survitec operates in over 2,000 ports across 96 countries. As the world’s largest manufacturer and supplier of life rafts, Marine Evacuation Systems (MES), and offshore rental PPE, Survitec also excels in fire solutions for the maritime industry and pilot flight equipment for aerospace and defense. With a 168-year history of innovation, Survitec is committed to protecting lives through cutting-edge safety and survival solutions.
Source Survitec