Safetytech Accelerator reports that it has selected three start-up companies for evaluation of their early-stage fire detection technology for containership decks under its Cargo Fire & Loss Innovation Initiative (CFLII).
The CFLII was launched in February 2023 in collaboration with partners Lloyd’s Register, Evergreen, Ocean Network Express (ONE), Seaspan Corporation, Offen Group, UK P&I and TT Club.
To date, CFLII has identified and assessed cargo monitoring technologies with a focus on early fire detection in cargo holds. The programme has now evaluated more than 200 companies with related technologies, leading to the selection of Forest Guard, SenseNet and Mobotix for evaluation and testing on board of vessels.
ForestGuard’s IoT technology, previously used for early detection of forest fires, integrates a mesh network system, powered by satellite connectivity, with air quality measurement. Its system can detect toxic, flammable, and explosive gases using solar-powered boxes equipped with sensors.
SenseNet integrates AI, sensors, cameras, and satellite data to provide immediate notifications to ship operators and crew members in the event of a fire, interpreting and delivering information to manage fire risks on board.
Mobotix specialises in camera systems designed to withstand extreme conditions such as vibrations, harsh weather, salty environments, and extreme temperatures. The cameras utilise thermal imaging technology, with the feasibility of stationary thermal imaging on deck for early fire detection to be assessed by the programme, including line of site, cost and networking practicality.
The evaluation of these three technologies will involve structured feasibility studies, vessel assessments, and surveys leading to deployment planning, costing, and performance predictions. Successful evaluations will be followed by trials on one or more of the programme partners’ cargo ships.
“The Cargo Fire & Loss Innovation Initiative (CFLII) is now drawing on the rapid innovation delivered in response to wildfires; with cheap and robust multi sensor boxes a really interesting proposition in maritime. This also gives us the opportunity to evaluate a more traditional gas sensing approach with our cutting-edge e-nose sensor programme within CFLII,” said Seb Corby, CFLII Programme Director.
“Thermal imaging is recognised as a leading technology in the space of fire detection, so it’s important we understand whether this is a viable solution for our anchor partners quickly, conceding that this could vary between new build/retrofit and class type.”
