During the 2025 SAFETY4SEA Limassol Forum, Sebastian Corby, Safetytech Accelerator, discussed how emerging technologies can enhance maritime safety, particularly in risk and fire prevention at sea.
The challenge of cargo fires and losses remains a significant concern in the maritime industry. With increasing global trade and the complexities of transporting diverse types of goods, fire outbreaks and related losses continue to impact both the environment and the industry’s bottom line.
However, advancements in technology offer promising solutions to mitigate these risks, bringing a new approach to how fire hazards are detected and prevented in cargo transport.
Innovation in cargo fire detection
One of the pressing issues in the maritime sector today is the occurrence of cargo fires, which can cause substantial losses and harm to both vessels and their crews. The maritime industry has been grappling with the risk of fires in cargo holds, often caused by hazardous materials, such as chemicals or flammable goods, being improperly stored or managed.
These fires can lead to devastating consequences, including loss of life, environmental damage, and significant financial costs.
To address these challenges, organizations like Safetytech Accelerator, in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register, are spearheading initiatives to introduce innovative technological solutions.
These solutions focus on improving risk management, fire detection, and the safety of both cargo and maritime workers. By using innovative technologies, the maritime industry can enhance safety protocols, reduce fire-related losses, and increase operational efficiency.
The role of technology
In recent years, new technologies have emerged to help prevent cargo fires and manage risks more effectively. One of the primary focus areas for innovation is in the realm of fire detection systems. Traditionally, fire detection systems in maritime transport have relied on outdated technologies that are often ineffective in identifying fires in real-time, especially when it comes to concealed or slow-burning fires.
Safetytech Accelerator has been exploring multiple high-tech solutions to improve early fire detection. These include the integration of fiber-optic sensors and infrared cameras that offer enhanced sensitivity to environmental changes such as temperature and smoke.
Fiber-optic technology in particular is being utilized to detect minute changes in heat or pressure within cargo holds, allowing for faster identification of fire hazards before they escalate into full-blown disasters.
Moreover, AI-powered monitoring systems are being employed to process data from various sensors, such as gas detectors and smoke alarms, in real time. These AI systems can analyze sensor data, detect abnormal conditions, and provide early warnings to crew members and port authorities. This approach ensures a quicker response time, significantly reducing the potential damage caused by a fire.
Cargo fire and loss initiative
One of the key initiatives to address cargo fire and loss is the Cargo Fire and Loss Program, a specialized initiative aimed at reducing risks related to cargo fires and preventing related losses in the maritime industry.
Through this program, Safetytech Accelerator collaborates with various industry stakeholders, including large corporations, governments, and technology startups, to develop and implement solutions.
Early stage startups contribute to solving these issues through collaboration and the application of the latest research and technological developments.
Key technological solutions
- Fiber-optic Sensors: Fiber-optic technology offers an extremely sensitive method for detecting temperature changes, vibrations, and other indicators of fire hazards.
- Infrared Cameras: Advanced thermal imaging technology helps detect the presence of heat sources that could indicate the early stages of a fire.
- AI and Machine Learning: The integration of AI in cargo fire prevention systems can significantly enhance the accuracy and speed of detection. AI algorithms can analyze data from multiple sensors to identify patterns and predict potential fire hazards before they develop.
- IoT-Enabled Sensors: Internet of Things (IoT) technology allows for the integration of various environmental sensors, such as gas detectors and pressure sensors, into a unified system. This network of sensors can help identify potential fire risks by monitoring changes in the environment, such as the release of flammable gases or pressure changes in containers.
- Decision Support Systems: These systems leverage real-time data to assist decision-makers in identifying and addressing potential fire hazards. By providing actionable insights, these technologies improve response times and help reduce the severity of cargo fires.
The road ahead
The road ahead will require collaboration between technology providers, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies. By working together, the industry can ensure that these innovations are effectively implemented and that best practices are set up for fire risk management.
As new technologies continue to emerge, the industry’s ability to prevent cargo fires and protect both assets and lives will only improve.
Innovative solutions, such as those introduced by the Cargo Fire and Loss Program, show how technology can transform safety practices in the maritime sector, setting a new standard for fire prevention and risk management.
Through continued research and collaboration, the maritime industry is taking a significant step towards ensuring a safer and more resilient future.
The views presented are only those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
Above article has been edited from Sebastian Corby’s presentation during the 2025 SAFETY4SEA Limassol Forum.
Explore more by watching his video presentation here below
