Despite advancements in fire suppression systems and stricter regulations, engine room fires remain a major concern in maritime safety. Approximately 60% of onboard fires originate in the engine room, with nearly 40% linked to fuel oil systems, highlighting not just technical failures, but deeper operational weaknesses.
The engine room combines high-risk factors: pressurised fuel systems, elevated temperatures, constant vibration, and rotating machinery in confined spaces. Over time, fuel lines fatigue, gaskets degrade, and fittings loosen, often undetected. These can lead to leaks that ignite on hot, uninsulated surfaces. While the SOLAS Convention requires thermal insulation on surfaces above 220°C, inspections repeatedly uncover insufficient or deteriorated insulation.
Frequent fuel switching to comply with Emission Control Area (ECA) regulations combined with variations in fuel quality, places considerable mechanical and operational strain on a vessel’s fuel system. Thermal fluctuations, inconsistent fuel characteristics, and reduced lubricating properties accelerate wear on components such as filters, pumps, and injectors. These conditions often require repeated disassembly for cleaning or inspection, increasing both the risk of failure and overall maintenance demands. Each purge and reassembly not only adds to crew workload but also raises the potential for human error and equipment malfunction.
The use of non-OEM spare parts further undermines system reliability due to inconsistent tolerances. Compounding these issues, inspection routines frequently prioritise documentation over practical, hands-on assessments, allowing minor faults to go undetected until they lead to serious incidents.
Human error remains a critical factor in engine room fire incidents. Investigations consistently show that well-trained and proactive crews significantly reduce both the likelihood and severity of fires. However, when training is insufficient or emergency drills fail to simulate realistic engine room conditions, even advanced fire suppression systems can fall short. Delayed responses and disorganised actions are common, often due to hesitation, lack of empowerment, or waiting for authorisation.
A high level of awareness regarding fire risks, combined with a strong culture of cleanliness and maintenance diligence, plays a pivotal role in prevention. Simple factors, such as failing to reinstall insulation properly after maintenance or overlooking flammable oil contamination can become ignition points.
While regulations and technology continue to advance, they remain ineffective without consistent enforcement, thorough hands-on inspections, and a deeply embedded onboard safety culture. True prevention requires more than just technical precision and reliable components, it depends equally on well-trained, empowered crews who can act swiftly and effectively in high-stress situations. Only by addressing these vulnerabilities holistically can the maritime industry make meaningful progress in reducing both the frequency and severity of engine room fires.
