ABS expands guidance for fire protection on container ships

ABS announced that it has updated the ABS Guide for Fire-Fighting Systems for On-Deck Cargo Areas of Container Carriers (FOC Guide), expanding the guidance to the existing container ship fleet. The guide aims to support owners in navigating risks, based on the unique characteristics of each container load, location of the container on the vessel and various firefighting spray patterns.

“By broadening this Guide, ABS makes it possible for owners to apply the same degree of assessment and review to their active fleets that they do for new construction”, says ABS Executive Vice President for Global Marine Dr. Kirsi Tikka. 

The FOC Guide takes a comprehensive approach to assessing firefighting system pressure and capacity, while accounting for vessel size in its requirements. The new FOC-R notation provides guidance, that can be effectively applied to existing vessels leading to an enhanced standard for container deck fire-fighting. ABS noted that the FOC Guide goes beyond International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements for container deck firefighting capabilities. 

“Key for the owners and operators is the ability to protect life and cargo onboard,” says ABS Vice President for Containerships Matthew Tremblay. “By applying this Guide, containership owners can demonstrate a commitment to safety and fire protection that supports more secure operations.” 

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