(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) On September 19, 2021, at 20:13, the Finnish-registered roll-on/roll-off (RORO) cargo ship Finnmaster experienced a serious incident shortly after beginning its departure from Hull, England.
A fire broke out within the vessel's auxiliary engine room. This critical failure led to an immediate loss of power across the ship. Despite the severity of the situation, the fire was successfully extinguished by the crew or external assistance.The vessel was unable to continue its voyage and was safely re-berthed in Hull with the aid of tugs.
The auxiliary engine room was significantly damaged by the fire.
The investigation found that:
- The fire started after mechanical failures on one of the auxiliary engines allowed fuel to leak from a flexible hose onto a hot surface where it ignited.
- The flexible hose was installed in the fuel system during an unapproved modification and did not meet the required standard.
- A fault in Finnmaster’s emergency generator circuit breaker prevented it from supplying power to the emergency systems on board.
- The fixed carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing system failed to fully operate due to defects in the system.
- The crew’s response, affected by the loss of critical safety systems, was ineffective.
Recommendations made:
- Recommendations have been made to the Finnish administration (TRAFICOM) to propose amendments to the International Maritime Organization on the testing of emergency sources of power and radio communication equipment; and guidance on the testing of fixed fire-extinguishing systems. TRAFICOM is also recommended to provide guidance to the Finnish maritime industry on fire safety and define its policy for the training of people servicing fixed firefighting systems.
- Finnlines Plc has been recommended to revise and update its training, response and defect reporting procedures.
- RINA, the responsible classification society, has been recommended to propose to the International Association of Classification Societies that an urgent review be conducted into its procedural requirements for service suppliers conducting maintenance of fire protection systems. It has also been recommended to update the information and guidance it provides to its surveyors and propose to the International Association of Classification Societies guidance on the support provided to chief engineers.
Remarkably, no injuries were reported among the crew or any personnel involved in the incident.This event highlights the significant risks associated with engine room fires at sea and the successful outcome, despite the power loss and extensive damage, demonstrates effective emergency response and the importance of tug assistance during critical maneuvers.
For more details, click below to download the full UK MAIB investigation report:
Source: MAIB
For more maritime investigation reports, click HERE.
