A 2021 fire aboard the Finland-registered roll-on/roll-off cargo vessel Finnmaster has prompted calls for international changes to maritime fire safety regulations. The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has released its findings, highlighting critical system failures and issuing recommendations aimed at strengthening global safety standards.
The Incident: Mechanical Failure and Fire
The fire broke out at 20:13 hrs on 19 September 2021, shortly after the Finnmaster departed Hull, UK. A mechanical failure caused fuel to leak from a flexible hose installed during an unapproved modification onto a hot surface, triggering a blaze in the auxiliary engine room. The vessel lost power, but with tugboat assistance, it was safely re-berthed. While no injuries occurred, the auxiliary engine room suffered extensive damage.
Safety System Failures and MAIB Findings
Investigators uncovered several critical failures. The emergency generator’s circuit breaker malfunctioned, preventing essential systems from operating. Meanwhile, the fixed CO₂ fire-extinguishing system failed to deploy properly due to defects, slowing the crew’s emergency response.
The MAIB issued 12 safety recommendations to Finland’s Transport and Communications Agency (TRAFICOM), calling for advocacy at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to improve testing standards for emergency power, radio communications, and fixed fire-extinguishing systems.
Recommendations and Industry Response
Finnlines Plc, the vessel’s operator, has been advised to enhance crew training, improve defect reporting, and strengthen emergency preparedness. Classification society RINA was urged to tighten its fire protection maintenance protocols and provide clearer guidance for surveyors and chief engineers. The MAIB stressed that the Finnmaster incident underscores the need for more robust international fire safety measures across the shipping industry.
The Finnmaster fire serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in existing maritime safety frameworks. By adopting the MAIB’s recommendations, regulators and industry stakeholders can work together to close critical safety gaps, reduce risks, and ensure greater protection for crews, vessels, and the marine environment.
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Source: NAUTILUS INTERNATIONAL
