BIMCO Warns of Engine Room Fire Risk from Unrepaired Defects

BIMCO, through its Tanker Safety Network, warned that known machinery defects, inadequate maintenance and delayed repairs can lead to serious engine room fires. The organization reached this conclusion after reviewing three incidents linked to fuel leaks, hydraulic oil leaks and electrical failures, at a meeting held on October 29, 2026.

The first case involved a spare part for a pressure transmitter with an incompatible thread that failed, causing fuel to spray onto a turbocharger that lacked lagging. The second case was a hydraulic oil leak detected by the crew several hours before the fire, whose repair was postponed until the vessel reached anchorage, but the fire broke out while the ship was still underway. The third case was an electrical failure in a starter panel, where, following an auxiliary blower alarm, a burnt contactor and damaged components were found, attributable to worn contacts, loose connections and maintenance shortcomings.

BIMCO noted that, beyond the technical failures, organizational factors also play a role, such as spare parts availability, sufficient time to carry out repairs, and support for less experienced engineers. The discussion also covered how the expectation of reaching the next port or anchorage can influence the decision to postpone maintenance tasks. According to a Gard analysis of hull and machinery fire and explosion claims between 2017 and 2024, cited at the meeting, nearly 60% of these casualties originated in engine rooms.

Participants assessed the use of AI-assisted cameras, thermal imaging and other monitoring technologies to detect abnormal conditions earlier, though they stressed that improved detection must be accompanied by effective watchkeeping, maintenance and timely corrective action. A question was also raised as to whether local water-mist fire-fighting systems would remain available in the event that an engine room fire affected the vessel's main power supply, a point left open for further analysis.

Separately, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) is pushing for changes to the SOLAS convention after recording 137 engine room fires between 2008 and the first quarter of 2023, with repair costs exceeding $510 million. IACS is seeking to strengthen fire protection requirements for low-pressure fuel and lubricating oil systems, with measures such as remote-control isolation valves, improved shielding of hot surfaces, and rigid covers for exhaust piping and turbochargers. Technical work will continue at IMO's Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment between 2026 and 2028, with entry into force expected on January 1, 2028.