SAFE T Y
Briefings
MCA publishes update on new Fixed Aerosol Fire Extinguishing Systems guidance The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency
(MCA) has released an amendment to MGN 657 (M+F) Amendment 1 requirements for fixed aerosol fire extinguishing systems for use in small vessel machinery spaces.
The update clarifies that the design density should be calculated based on the net volume of the protected space, as well as clarifying the test criteria including the pass/fail criteria and arrangements for the test mock-up.
Background
Approval of Fixed Aerosol Fire Extinguishing Systems for use in small vessel machinery spaces has previously been undertaken by the MCA, with the publication of this notice those approvals will now be undertaken by a UK Approved Body. Small vessels are those vessels as referred to in Section 6 of the appendix. Once a system was approved the manufacturer or supplier of the system was issued with the MCA Certificate of Inspection and Test (MSF 1814 form). The certificate demonstrated the safe and effective operation of the system following various fire-extinguishing tests. These tests included a demonstration of the system’s ability to extinguish a selection of representative fire types in an enclosure similar to that of a small vessel’s machinery space.
This MGN formalises the process by publishing the test requirements for future approvals and to require that the tests are witnessed and confirmed as successful by a UK Approved Body.
Key changes
In regard to calculating the design density, the machinery space housing the Fixed Aerosol Fire Extinguishing System is referred to in this document as the protected enclosure or protected space. The protected enclosure volume should be calculated by the system supplier or installer and agreed by the vessel owner, equipment supplier and supplied to the surveyor for acceptance, as noted in section 5.2 of the MGN. The required concentration of the aerosol varies between manufacturer / system types, and agreement of the design concentration required for the space should be sought from the manufacturer or their agent and be based on fire extinguishing tests as defined in this document. The methods used for calculating the design concentration shall be included in the vessel’s application for certification. The quantity of extinguishing agent for the protected space should be calculated at the minimum expected ambient temperature using the design density based on the net volume of the protected space, including the casing. The net volume of a protected space is that part of the gross volume of the space, which is accessible to the fire-extinguishing agent.
The recently published amendment also clarifies the test criteria including the pass/fail criteria and arrangements for the test mock-up.
Read the MGN online at
https://bit.ly/4jTCliv.
NTSB report says lithium-ion batteries caused Genius Star XI fires
Heavy weather and an improperly secured cargo of lithium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) units led to two fires on board the cargo vessel Genius Star XI – causing $3.8 million in damages, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Findings
Investigators determined that the probable cause of the two (December 25 and Dember 28, 2023) fires aboard the Genius Star XI was the breakaway of 41 battery energy storage systems (BESS) units in the cargo holds during heavy weather conditions due to improperly secured lashing belts, which resulted in internal structural deformation of these units and thermal runaway of lithium-ion battery packs in three of the BESS units.
Ensuring Proper Cargo Securing
In addition to following a vessel’s cargo securing manual and implementing the approved vessel storage and lashing plan, a vessel’s crew must also conduct a thorough inspection of all the cargo- securing arrangements both during and after cargo loading. Such inspections are critical to identifying improper attachments or other concerns with cargo securement that could compromise the assumptions planners make in implementation of the plan. Not ensuring cargo is properly secured can result in cargo breakaway. Special attention should be placed on examining fitment of components, such as lashing belt hooks, wire, or chain falls used to secure the cargo to ensure they are properly seated (fully engaged) on the D-rings or other points of securement.
Proper inspection and verification are critical to preventing cargo movement, structural damage to battery units, and potential thermal runaway events during heavy weather.
Download the full report at
https://bit.ly/3NUvLvT. THE REPORT | MAR 2026 | ISSUE 115 | 29
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