The devastating fire on board Maersk Honam has sent shockwave through carriers and has raised a serious question. Is traditional method of dangerous goods booking validation against IMDG Code and filtering keywords in bills of lading for suspected misdeclared or undeclared goods enough to protect the crew and vessel?

Firefighting in cargo holds by releasing carbon dioxide is not very effective for containerized cargo as the cargo will be burning inside the container which will protect the fire within from carbon dioxide flooded into the hold. Further if oxidizing substances are involved in fire flooding of cargo hold with carbon dioxide is totally ineffective.

Class 5.1 – Oxidizing substances

Substances which, while in themselves not necessarily combustible, may, generally by yielding oxygen, cause, or contribute to, the combustion of other material. Such substances may be contained in an article.

Substances of class 5.1 in certain circumstances directly or indirectly evolve oxygen. For this reason, oxidizing substances increase the risk and intensity of fire in combustible material with which they come into contact.

Mixtures of oxidizing substances with combustible material and even with material such as sugar, flour, edible oils, mineral oils, etc., are dangerous. These mixtures are readily ignited, in some cases by friction or impact. They may burn violently and may lead to explosion.

There will be a violent reaction between most oxidizing substances and liquid acids, evolving toxic gases. Toxic gases may also be evolved when certain oxidizing substances are involved in a fire.

What EmS Guide says?

If a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system is used for incidents under deck, all hatches and vent dampers should be closed and ventilation shut-off before the system is activated. If smoke is seen coming from around the hatches, the leaks should be sealed with any suitable material available.

Oxidizing substances class 5.1 is liable to evolve oxygen and therefore to accelerate a fire. These substances, while in themselves not necessarily combustible, may cause the combustion of other material (e.g. sawdust or paper) or contribute to the fire leading to an explosion. Fires in which these substances are present are difficult to extinguish, because the ship´s fire-fighting installation may not be effective. Everything possible should be done to prevent the spread of fire to containers containing these dangerous goods. However, if fire reaches the cargo, personnel should be withdrawn immediately to a well protected position.

If the fire is under deck, consideration should be given to the stability of the ship when flooding the hold with water.

Maersk Line is planning to ban all class 5 goods from under deck stowage and all dangerous goods near crew accommodation and engine room.

Below are the statistics of entries of Class 5.1 listed in IMDG Code, their stowage categories, stowage instructions and Fire Schedules.  (Have not taken Class 5.2 Organic peroxides into account as class 5.2 is on deck only and never permitted under deck)