Cargo Fires Initiative selects cutting-edge technology for Maritime Safety Advancement in Container Ships

Safetytech Accelerator evaluating new cutting-edge fire detection technologies on containership decks as part of the Cargo Fire & Loss Innovation Initiative (CFLII).

London – July 15th , 2024 – Safetytech Accelerator, in collaboration with Anchor Partners Lloyd’s Register, Evergreen, Ocean Network Express (ONE), Seaspan Corporation, Offen Group, UK P&I and TT Club  is pleased to announce that Forest Guard, SenseNet, and Mobotix have been selected for evaluation of their innovative early-stage fire detection technology for containerships decks.

The Cargo Fire & Loss Innovation Initiative (CFLII), launched in February 2023 by Safetytech Accelerator, unites industry leaders, technology innovators, and maritime stakeholders to advance technologies that prevent and mitigate large-scale cargo fire, loss, and damage at sea. CFLII includes leading shipping companies, representing around 50% of the global container capacity, and maritime insurers as its Anchor Partners.

To date, CFLII has identified and assessed innovative cargo monitoring technologies with a focus on early fire detection in cargo holds. The programme has now evaluated 200+ companies with potential technology for fire detection on deck, leading to the selection of Forest Guard, SenseNet and Mobotix for evaluation and testing on board of vessels.

Multi-gas Sensors  

Detecting fire on a ship’s deck requires technology that can withstand harsh conditions and cover wide areas. The programme identified multi-gas sensors, currently used for wildfire detection, for adaptation to the maritime sector.

• ForestGuard pioneering IoT technology, previously used for early detection for forest fire prevention, integrates a mesh network system, powered by affordable satellite connectivity with air quality measurement.  Its solution can detect toxic, flammable, and explosive gases, enabling early warning. The Forest Guard boxes clusters sensors into low-power, solar-powered devices, enhancing detection probabilities. Denser configurations provide affordable multi-event detection.

• SenseNet offers a specialized solution for early wildfire detection on container ships, integrating advanced AI, sensors, cameras, and satellite data to enhance safety at sea. This system provides immediate notifications to ship operators and crew members in the event of a fire, allowing for both proactive and reactive measures to minimize potential damage and ensure safety. The comprehensive technology interprets and delivers crucial information swiftly, making it an indispensable tool for maritime operations. With SenseNet, shipping companies can effectively manage fire risks on board, protecting both crew lives and valuable cargo, while maintaining the integrity of their fleet.

Infrared Cameras

• Mobotix specialises in robust camera solutions designed to withstand extreme conditions such as vibrations, harsh weather, salty environments, and extreme temperatures. Notably, Mobotix cameras utilise bespoke thermal imaging technology that has been proven in a variety of harsh environments. The programme is assessing the feasibility of stationary thermal imaging on deck for early fire detection. including line of site, cost and networking practicality.

The evaluation

CFLII adopts an agile and highly collaborative approach to evaluate innovative technologies. The evaluation of these three technologies will involve structured feasibility studies, vessel assessments, and surveys leading to deployment planning, costing, performance predictions. Successful evaluations will be followed by trials on one or more of the Anchor Partner’s 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.  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.

Overall, year two is looking bigger and better, as we onboard new solutions and continue to evolve cutting edge innovations in the programme from year 1.  Our objective remains to be the global leader in technology for maritime risk and to drive collective action alongside class and regulatory development in line with proven technology solutions.’ Seb Corby, CFLII Programme Director

And from one of the partecipants:

“As ForestGuard, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to implement our early open-air fire detection system to cargo ships and loss prevention implementations. This brings new challenges to our existing system such as harsh weather conditions, seawater, and connectivity issues and this kind of challenges excites our team to innovate and make a difference. With the thoroughly thought CFLII program, we are confident that we can find better ways to prevent and mitigate fire damage in the shipping industry”. Dr. Ornek, ForestGuard Co-Founder 

To learn more about the programme and how you can join, please contact us at info@safetytechaccelerator.org or visit Cargo Fire and Loss Innovation Initiative (CFLII) – Safetytech Accelerator

ENDS 

About Safetytech Accelerator 

Safetytech Accelerator, established by Lloyd’s Register, is the first fully dedicated technology accelerator focused on advancing innovation in safety critical industries. Our mission is  to make the world safer, more resilient, and more sustainable through the wider adoption of technology. 

CFLII Full list of Ancor Partners: Evergreen, Lloyds Register, Maersk, Ocean Network Express, Offen Group, Seaspan Corporation, TT-Club and UKP&I.

About ForestGuard

“ForestGuard” started as detecting forest fires within the first 15 minutes and from there pivoted to detecting open-air fires using anomaly detection, using the technology in industrial applications. Functioning independently from infrastructure with sensor-based readings, solar panel charging, and satellite connection. This allows the system to continuously monitor the environment. Through the machine learning algorithm developed by ForestGuard, the system can differentiate whether smoke is from an exhaust, a cigarette, or an actual fire.

About SenseNet

Founded in 2019, SenseNet provides the most advanced and comprehensive solution for early wildfire detection, safeguarding communities, critical infrastructure, and the natural environment from wildfire. Powered by a unique combination of proprietary technology integrating AI, sensors, cameras, and satellite data, first responders can be immediately notified of wildfires. Artificial Intelligence accesses, interprets, and supplies information, allowing both proactive and reactive responses to mitigate and manage the devastating effects of wildfires. The breadth of information provided in SenseNet’s integrated solution provides affordable, efficient and advanced detection and management technology to cities, remote towns and First Nations communities that need it most. With the SenseNet solution, municipalities have an all-in-one source for accurate and immediate wildfire detection enabling them to become leaders in fire management; protect the lives and homes of residents; and safeguard valuable community assets. For more information, visit www.sensenet.ca

About MOBOTIX AG

MOBOTIX is a manufacturer of intelligent IP video systems in premium quality and sets standards in innovative camera technologies and decentralized security solutions with the highest level of cyber security. MOBOTIX was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in Langmeil, Germany. The company relies on its own research and development as well as its own production “Made in Germany”. Additional sales offices are located in New York, Paris, Madrid and Moscow. Customers around the world trust in the durability and reliability of MOBOTIX hardware and software. The flexibility of the solutions, the integrated intelligence and the highest level of data security are appreciated in many industries. MOBOTIX products and solutions support customers in areas such as industrial manufacturing, retail, logistics and healthcare. With strong and international technology partnerships, the company is using artificial intelligence and deep learning modules to expand its universal platform and new applications in a wide range of sectors.