- Starting January 1, 2026, RoRo and RoPax ships must install fixed water monitors on their weather decks to enhance fire protection.
- Ships under 30 meters wide require two monitors, while those 30 meters or wider must install four, each delivering a minimum water flow rate for effective fire suppression.
Survitec, a leading provider of survival technology solutions, is calling on shipowners, ship managers, and shipyards to prepare for significant changes to international fire protection regulations. Starting January 1, 2026, fixed water monitors will be required on the weather decks of RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) and RoPax (Passenger RoRo) ships under amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2 and the Fire Safety Systems (FSS) Code.
Background and Rationale
The decision to implement these new regulations follows an increasing number of serious fire incidents involving vehicle cargo, including those with electric vehicles (EVs), which have exposed limitations in existing fire protection measures. The large, open nature of cargo spaces on RoRo and RoPax vessels means fires can spread quickly, potentially affecting the entire length of the vessel. This has led to the recognition of the need for additional fire suppression systems on these decks.
Regulatory Requirements
The new regulations mandate the installation of fixed, water-based fire-extinguishing monitors on weather decks intended for the carriage of vehicles. These must be installed on all new ships and retrofits. Specifically:
- Two monitors are required on ships with a breadth of less than 30 meters.
- Four monitors are required on ships with a breadth of 30 meters or more.
- Each monitor must deliver a flow of at least 2 liters per minute per square meter, with a total minimum flow rate of 1,250 liters per minute.
Survitec offers a range of fixed water monitors to meet these requirements, including manual, self-oscillating, hydraulic, and electric designs. The automated options are particularly suited for retrofits and space-constrained vessels.
Implementation and Support
Survitec emphasizes the importance of early planning to ensure compliance with the new regulations. The company provides technical advice to help shipowners and operators understand the requirements and select appropriate equipment. Additionally, Survitec offers end-to-end services, including consultancy, product delivery, and service inspections, to support the implementation of these fire safety measures.
Industry stakeholders are encouraged to engage with fire safety experts early to ensure smooth adoption of these new standards.
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Source: Survitec
