Cruise & Ferry Review - Autumn/Winter 2021

A dvances in maritime safety have been impressive over the past few decades, particularly within the international ferry industry which has a year-on-year record of close to zero fatalities. However, there are still several key areas that need improving, according to Johan Roos, executive director of European Union (EU) and International Maritime Organization (IMO) affairs at Interferry. Top of the agenda is minimising the risk of fires onboard both ro-pax and ro-ro vessels. Although the IMO continually amends the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations on ro-pax fire safety, it became a major priority for many ferry operators in the wake of the fatal fire onboard Norman Atlantic in December 2014, as well as the fire on Sorrento, which forced 156 people to abandon ship in April 2015. “Both fires were devastating for all involved but one important outcome was that they significantly increased fire safety awareness among ferry operators,” says Roos. “Yes, some structural and equipment-oriented improvements were overdue, but these fires clearly showed that having the right onboard response and effective communication are key to survival in emergencies.” Interferry is heavily engaged in EU-funded research and development project LASHFIRE, which aims to add another layer of measures to the IMO’s current fire safety regulations. “With the rapid development of electric and alternatively powered vehicles, LASHFIRE’s work may prove very timely because there currently are no robust guidelines or requirements covering the new risks associated with battery fires and the implications of carrying compressed natural gas, LNG, hydrogen or other yet-to-be developed alternative fuels,” says Roos. Interferry is also working to resolve the EU’s investment in enhanced damage stability for ro-pax ships after it chose not to fully accept the Johan Roos explains how Interferry is working with the International Maritime Organization and operators to decrease the dangers of onboard fires and increase domestic ferry safety Reducing fire risk FEATURE: SAFET Y AT SEA 1 0 8