Salvage union calls for rethink on fire-fighting equipment

Industry must work together to ensure adequate fire-fighting solutions, reports Lloyd’s List’s Helen Kelly

The International Salvage Union (ISU) has called for a rethink of fire-fighting equipment on board vessels following a spate of fires on ro-ro passenger ferries and large containerships. It is backing a push by the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) for improvements in detection, protection and fire-fighting capability as well as cargo declaration on board vessels. According to IUMI, fire-fighting capabilities on board many vessels remains insufficient.