Loss Prevention and Ship Inspection Department

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This column features the article contributed by our Association to "Mariners' Digest Vol.74", published in July 2024 by the Japan Shipping Exchange, Inc.

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Highlights

• When cargo handling on car carriers, attention must be paid to avoid damage to the cargo vehicles. It is essential to closely monitor for any issues during the operation or on-duty watch.
• Regular inspection and maintenance of fire detection systems, and firefighting equipment are crucial. It is essential to understand the operation of firefighting equipment and familiarize oneself with the instructions and control panels posted, ensuring the ability to operate them promptly in the event of a fire.

1. Introduction

Following on from our column “Car Carrier (1)－Introduction to Japanese Car Carriers and Precautions During Operation”, we will explain a few loss-preventive practices relating to cargo handling, mainly focus on vehicle fires with fire-fighting tactics.

2. Cargo Handling System in Japan

In Japanese ports, the contracted stevedoring companies of each shipping company handle the cargo operations. They receive loading plans from the planners of the shipping companies in advance and create loading plans for actual operations based on the shipping conditions on-site. Depending on the number of units to be loaded, the size and number of gangs (teams of workers) performing the operations are determined. In most public ports, the working hours during the day are from 0830 to 1630, with a one-hour lunch break, making it effectively 7 hours of work. Consideration is given to finishing within the scheduled time according to the ship's schedule. To ensure cargo handling can commence at 0830, stern and center lamps must be prepared on the ship. If there are delays in docking, waiting charges for gangs will be incurred as time passes.

Cargo handling methods may vary by port, but typically around six transport drivers transport vehicles stored in the yard to the ship using self-propelled vehicles. Upon arrival at the loading deck, vehicles are parked, transport drivers board dedicated vehicles, and they repeat this process back and forth to the yard. Vehicles arriving at the loading deck are handled and loaded by skilled drivers. Generally, to load as many vehicles as possible, passenger vehicles are loaded with a spacing of approximately 30 centimeters front and back, and 10 centimeters left and right. Subsequently, workers called lashers secure the vehicles using dedicated belts to prevent movement during transport. Large or special vehicles are secured using dedicated large belts or chains.

During cargo handling, tally men are present to inspect and record each loaded vehicle one by one. While in the past records were kept on paper, nowadays records are made using tablet PCs, and after cargo handling, the final stowage plan is generated by the system.

3. Cargo Handling Accidents and Incidents

When cargo handling on car carriers, attention must be paid to avoid damage to the cargo vehicles. While the actual loading and unloading operations are carried out by contracted stevedores onboard, it is essential to closely monitor for any issues during the operation or on-duty watch. Additionally, apart from accidents or damage, attention must be given to prevent cargo handling mistakes such as mis-loading or mis-unloading. In foreign ports, it is also necessary to be cautious of losses, thefts, stowaways, and other incidents involving vehicle equipment, keys, etc. After cargo handling is completed, lashings are checked, and after unloading, it is confirmed that no vehicles are left behind. Following the complete unloading of all cargo, cargo holds are cleaned during the voyage, and used securing materials are tidied up and prepared for the next loading operation.

Furthermore, attention is given onboard to the issue of black smoke emitted during docking, which can cause soot to settle on vehicles stored along the coast, potentially damaging the paint. Therefore, ships switch to high-quality fuel oil before entering port. Additionally, measures are taken to avoid emitting black smoke while moored, such measures include engine maintenance, and dedicated funnel monitors being installed to monitor exhaust conditions.

4. Vehicle Fires

Recent discussions have involved vehicle fires on car carriers, such as fires originating from Electric Vehicles (EVs) or methods of extinguishing EV fires. Regardless of whether vehicles are EV or not, given the potential for significant damage and impact, particularly when fires cannot be extinguished and result in widespread damage to cargo and the vessel itself, caution is warranted. Car carriers carry a large number of vehicles with minimal spacing between them, and there is typically a small amount of gasoline onboard each vehicle for loading and unloading purposes. Once a fire starts, it can spread rapidly. Moreover, as fires can originate from the vehicles themselves, their location is unpredictable.

Therefore, car carriers are equipped with fire detection systems and firefighting equipment as required by SOLAS regulations to enable prompt response by crew members. Fire detection systems are installed on each deck and hold, and if anomalies are detected, signals are sent to central monitoring units located on the bridge or in the fire control room to identify the location of the fire and sound alarms throughout the ship.

Subsequently, upon issuance of the emergency department order by the captain, the chief mate rushes to the scene to assess the situation and report back. Other crew members prepare for firefighting activities by forming designated fire teams, engine teams, and medical backup teams. Fixed firefighting equipment is installed on each deck and hold, including fire extinguishers, hydrants, hoses, nozzles for spraying water or foam, and sources of firefighting agents. Initial firefighting efforts are made using these resources.

If initial firefighting attempts fail and further efforts become difficult, fixed firefighting systems are activated. These systems typically involve either carbon dioxide gas or foam. Carbon dioxide firefighting systems consist of tanks or cylinders of liquefied carbon dioxide installed on the uppermost deck of the ship, releasing carbon dioxide into designated compartments upon activation to smother the fire by displacing oxygen.

Foam firefighting systems utilize firefighting foam liquid tanks installed on the ship, which, through ventilation fans or ducts, deliver foam into the fire compartments using forced air, effectively extinguishing the fire by filling the compartments with foam. In either case, once all crew members are accounted for, the first mate activates the equipment upon the captain's command. Particularly with carbon dioxide systems, it is essential to confirm that no individuals are present in the affected compartments, as incidents have occurred in the past where crew members have died due to oxygen deprivation after carbon dioxide release without a final check. Additionally, even after the release of carbon dioxide or foam, water spraying continues to cool the outer walls and doors of the fire compartments until the fire is completely extinguished.

With the increasing transportation of EVs, there may be an increase in EV fires. Given their unique nature, new firefighting strategies may be necessary. It is anticipated that international regulations will be developed in the future. However, the timing of vehicle fires is unpredictable. Therefore, regular inspection and maintenance of fire detection systems and firefighting equipment are crucial. Malfunctions or failures of these systems during fires can have serious consequences. Furthermore, it is essential to understand the operation of firefighting equipment. It is vital to familiarize oneself with the instructions and control panels posted, ensuring the ability to operate them promptly in the event of a fire. Therefore, during drills and training sessions, it is important to recognize one's role and be prepared to act promptly in the event of a fire.

5. Latest Trends in Safety Transport Measures by Car Carrier Shipping Industry

We would like to provide an update on the latest developments regarding shipping companies and related organizations involved in the transportation of EVs. In recent years, there has been an increase in the transportation of EVs, prompting a focus on safety measures for their transport. Previously, shipping companies conducted their own fire extinguishing tests for EVs, developed manuals, and implemented procedures such as clearly labeling EVs in loading plans, consolidating EV shipments, and monitoring vehicle temperatures during voyages using hold temperature gauges and infrared thermometers. Nowadays, additional fire suppression equipment (such as dual socket hydrants or applicators) is being provided, and research and development have begun on AI-enabled cameras and advanced fire detection systems to monitor cargo holds, given the crucial importance of early fire detection.

Furthermore, ClassNK recognizes the lengthy process of enacting new regulations under international treaties. Therefore, they encourage proactive measures towards fire safety for the ongoing transportation of EVs. To this end, they have conducted literature reviews, consultations with experts, operators, manufacturers, and stakeholders, leading to the release of the "Guidelines for the Safe Transportation of Electric Vehicles (Edition 1.0)." These guidelines include examples of fire suppression tactics for EVs (See the above diagram).

Currently, there are no standardized fire suppression devices or methods for EV fires. Each shipping company adopts its own policies, so the guidelines do not mandate specific equipment requirements. Instead, they validate fire safety measures developed by individual companies in line with the guideline's principles and provide notation to vessels implementing effective measures.

Furthermore, The Car Carrier Safety Forum has issued "Common Guidance on the Presentation and Loading of Vehicles" aiming to mitigate risks associated with transporting EVs and hybrid vehicles, thereby promoting terminal and crew safety and protecting vessels themselves. As safety measures for the transport of EVs continue to evolve, it's crucial to stay informed about the specific measures implemented by the car carriers you engage with.

Procedure A

Isolation of abnormal vehicle

• Remove lashing belt for abnormal vehicle (if possible).
• Cover the vehicles around abnormal vehicle with fire blanket.
• Activate ventilation systems in vehicle spaces (dilution of generated gases).
• Cooling battery using water fog applicator.
  
  

Reason for no covering abnormal vehicle with fire blanket.

• There has possibility that the combustible gases are reached to explosion area because there may generate flammable gases from abnormal vehicle.
• It means it is better it is no covering the vehicles with abnormal battery.
• It is effective approach to activate fixed fire extinguished system in case that scale of general fire is huge, means impossible fire-fighting.
• The primary purpose of fixed fire extinguishing system is extinguishing of general fire, but not extinguishing of battery fire.
• To be confirm the re-ignition after extinguishing.
• Commence the fire-fighting to EV fire after identifying vehicle with battery fire.

Procedure B

Implemented initial fire-fighting after checking fire situation.

Prepare as below items.

• Dual hose adapter
• Water fog applicator
• Fire hose

〈Discharge water〉

Note: Discharge water to vehicle with fire using lashing holes on decks with lashing holes.

Procedure C

There may mix electric vehicle fire with battery thermal runway and general fire such as burning tires and seats in the event of a fire occurring in vehicle carrier.

• It is effective approach to activate fixed fire extinguished system in case that scale of general fire is huge, means impossible fire-fighting.
• The primary purpose of fixed fire extinguishing system is extinguishing of general fire, but not extinguishing of battery fire.
• To be confirm the re-ignition after extinguishing.
• Commence the fire-fighting to EV fire after identifying vehicle with battery fire.
• It is effective approach to activate water curtain to necessary area to isolate the vehicle with fire and healthy vehicles if the vessel is installed water curtain.

In conclusion, while this overview has focused on car carrier operations in Japanese shipping companies, it is hoped that it will be useful for foreign crew members working in the Japanese merchant fleet in the future.

Reference:

ClassNK Guidelines for the Safe Transportation of Electric Vehicles (Edition 1.0) (Copyright @ 2023 Nippon Kaiji Kyokai) https://www.classnk.or.jp/hp/pdf/activities/statutory/ev_carriage_safety/gl_ev_carriage_safety_e202308.pdf

Common Guidance on the Presentation and Loading of Vehicles (The guidance is supported by industry bodies the International Group of P&I Clubs, the International Chamber of Shipping and the TT Club.)

https://www.ics-shipping.org/press-release/vehicle-carrier-safety-forum-publishes-guidance-on-the-presentation-and-loading-of-vehicles/