Survitec has called on shipowners, ship managers and shipyards to prepare for a significant change to international fire protection regulations for RORO and ROPAX ships.
From 1 January 2026, fixed water monitors will be required on the weather decks of RORO and ROPAX ships under amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2 and the FSS Code, approved by the IMO’s 107th MSC session. The decision follows an increasing number of serious fire incidents involving vehicle cargo, including several high-profile incidents involving electric vehicles (EVs), that have exposed the limitations of existing fire protection measures.
The open and expansive nature of vehicle decks means that a fire can escalate very quickly, potentially spreading across the entire length of the ship. This incoming regulatory requirement puts a renewed focus on practical fire suppression systems that can be deployed quickly and effectively to extinguish or control a fire in these large, open deck spaces, Rafał Kołodziejski, Head of Product Support and Development, Survitec, explained.
Furthermore, water is often the preferred choice of medium due to its efficient cooling properties; however, traditional sprinkler or deluge systems may not be sufficient. Fixed water monitors provide a rapid-response solution that can deliver additional, targeted, high-performance firefighting coverage.
They are also a cost-effective, practical solution for smaller ships, where traditional deluge systems may be difficult to retrofit or maintain.
In addition, remote-controlled options can be installed when access is limited and prevents manual operation, as these allow crew to operate the water monitor from a safe location, providing additional firefighting capacity at reduced risk to crew.
The new rules specify that two fixed water monitors are required on ships with a breadth of less than 30 metres, and four monitors on wider ships. They must also deliver a minimum of 2.0 litres per minute per square metre, with a total flow of at least 1,250 litres per minute.
Understanding how to interpret and apply the new rules is as important as the technical specification of the equipment itself.
Selecting the appropriate solution requires carefully assessing deck layout, coverage requirements, water supply capacity, and operational needs. Key considerations for equipment selection include operational reliability, ease of maintenance, installation flexibility, and environmental durability.
…said Michał Sadzyński, Product Manager, Survitec.
Each type brings different advantages depending on the ship’s configuration, operating conditions, and available firefighting infrastructure, commented Michał Sadzyński.
Prevention is always better than cure, especially where EV fires are concerned. Early monitoring and detection of fire remain key safety factors, but fixed water monitors can play a vital role in supporting a rapid, targeted response to contain and suppress fire.
…said Rafał Kołodziejski.
