A fire on board a ship always requires a well-considered approach. What is burning and where it is burning determines how the crew and emergency services respond. It may sound surprising, but water is not always the best choice in such situations.

Fire prevention on ships
Prevention is better than extinguishing. To this end, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requires ships to be fitted with smoke and heat detectors, alarm systems and fire extinguishers. The crew undergoes intensive fire safety training because, at sea, they are usually on their own.

When a fire breaks out, the crew takes immediate action. They sound the alarm, locate the source of the fire and initiate initial firefighting efforts using the systems in place. At the same time, they ensure the rest of the crew are brought to safety. Protecting human life always comes first.

The captain coordinates actions on board and engages external assistance when necessary. The shipping company provides remote support, calls in experts and helps with decision-making.

At sea: a complex rescue operation
If the crew cannot bring the fire under control in Belgian territorial waters, the captain calls the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Ostend, which coordinates assistance at sea. Specialised salvage companies send out tugs, cool the ship’s hull and bring experts on board. These assess the situation and take targeted action.

If the incident takes place in international waters, the captain contacts the nearest rescue coordination centre. That centre coordinates the response and works with other countries and stakeholders. The ship’s flag state, the country in which the ship is registered, also supports coordination and takes part in decision-making.

With fewer resources able to reach the scene quickly on the high seas, the crew puts even more effort into firefighting on board, and the shipping company calls in specialised salvage companies.

At the port: on-site cooperation
If a ship is in port, emergency services can reach the scene of an incident more quickly. The local fire service leads the response and coordinates each step with the Port Captain’s Office and other relevant services.

All parties assume their roles. The fire service focuses on tackling the fire and ensuring the safety of the surrounding area. The port authorities oversee coordination and ensure that everyone works in accordance with established procedures.

Prevention remains crucial here as well. Working with open flames or sparks poses additional risks. Therefore, welding and grinding work requires a permit, and competent departments check that everyone complies with safety measures. In this way, many risks are addressed even before smoke appears.

Where do ship fires occur?
Despite every precaution, ship fires sometimes still occur. Overheated engines, fuel leaks, short circuits, and human error account for most incidents.

The engine room is one of the highest-risk areas on board, with heat, oil and fuel all in close proximity. Therefore, this space is equipped with fixed gas systems based on CO₂ or nitrogen. These systems displace oxygen and thereby smother the fire. As soon as the alarm sounds, the crew leaves the room and shuts everything down.

Cargo and container ship holds also present risks. The nature of the cargo determines the approach. Vehicles, chemicals or general cargo each require a different strategy. In many cases, teams completely seal off the hold and remove oxygen to smother the fire. That process can take several days.

Sometimes the ship’s cargo makes it extra complex. For example, electric vehicles play a role in fires on RoRo ships. These require a specific approach because batteries are difficult to extinguish and can reignite.

Extinguishing the fire without sinking the ship
Although water seems like a logical choice, it carries risks. Too much firefighting water can make a ship unstable and cause it to capsize or sink.

In addition, firewater becomes contaminated with smoke, chemicals and firefighting foam. That contaminated water must not enter the environment. Specialised companies therefore collect it and dispose of it at processing plants.

After the fire: monitoring and assessment
After the fire, several services remain active on site. Inspectors check the ship’s stability, environmental services take samples, and specialised companies clean up pollution.

The Port Captain and inspection services decide whether the ship is fit to sail again. Meanwhile, the parties involved carry out a thorough analysis of the incident. They assess what went well and what could be improved, and tighten procedures where needed.

One port, one collective responsibility
In a port where thousands of people and vessels congregate daily, everyone shares responsibility for safety. Crew, shipping companies, emergency services and port authorities work together in accordance with clear agreements.

Such cooperation ensures that all parties act quickly and effectively when needed. This helps keep the port a safe environment for everyone.

Who does what during a ship fire?
Crew & captain (on board)
• Hits the alarm
• Locates the fire
• Starts the first attempts at extinguishing
• Seals compartments
• Brings the crew to safety

Shipping company (remote support)
• Activates emergency procedures
• Directs technical experts
• Engages specialised salvage teams
• Supports the captain in decision-making

Emergency services (fire service & MRCC)
• Leads the intervention
• Coordinates rescue & extinguishing
• Secures the environment
• Aligns actions among all parties

Port authorities (such as Port of Antwerp-Bruges).
• Coordinates operations at the port
• Checks compliance with safety rules
• Supports the intervention as needed
• Assesses the incident afterwards
Source: Port of Antwerp-Bruges