Survitec Highlights Fire Safety Risks and Challenges for Methanol-Fuelled Vessels

Survitec, a provider of survival technology solutions, has raised concerns about the fire safety of methanol-fuelled vessels despite recent fire safety guidance from classification society DNV. A study by Survitec revealed that traditional fire-fighting methods are ineffective against methanol fires. Current water mist-based Local Application Firefighting (LAFF) systems were found to be inadequate in combating methanol fires effectively. Adjustments to water pump supplies and nozzle configurations are necessary to ensure adequate fire coverage in methanol-fuelled engine rooms.

The study highlighted two critical factors for effective fire suppression in methanol-fuelled engine rooms: the volume of water released under pressure and the water mist nozzle’s discharge pattern. Survitec emphasized the need for additional fire protection systems, such as a gas-based Total Flooding solution, to cover the entirety of the machinery space. Traditional firefighting foams were also found to be insufficient against methanol fires, prompting Survitec to develop new nozzle attachments that enhance foam expansion for better fire suppression.

Survitec’s fire safety team is actively working to address the unique fire risks associated with methanol and collaborate with classification societies and shipyards to develop comprehensive safety standards for all vessel types. The lack of clear test protocols for alcohol-based fires in international guidelines poses a significant challenge, as current firefighting systems designed for hydrocarbon fires are ineffective against alcohol-based fuel fires like methanol. Survitec urges stakeholders to come together to create clear standards, new testing protocols, and updated safety rules for methanol to ensure the safety of vessels and crews.

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