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Best Members' Collaboration Awards Entry: Safetytech Accelerator and TT Club

Award Nomination:

Safetytech Accelerator and TT Club have joined forces in a groundbreaking initiative including multiple industry leaders, insurers and technology partners dedicated to tackling the significant challenges posed by cargo fires and loss in the shipping supply chain. 

The interface between ports and shipping operations presents numerous critical processes, elevating the risk of container fires during storage, handling, transportation, and refuelling. Such fires directly endanger workers, harm the environment, disrupt trade, and damage infrastructure, adversely affecting reputation, investor relations, client trust, and insurer partnerships. 

The Cargo Fires & Loss Innovation Initiative (CFLII) is a collaborative technology acceleration program focused on raising awareness and preventing large-scale cargo fires and losses through practical implementations, real-world testing, and refinement of cutting-edge technologies. 

Entering its second year, CFLII, in partnership with TT Club and others, focused on the challenge of ‘Early-stage Fire Detection,’ identifying and testing key technologies such as E-noses, Infrared Cameras, and AI-driven solutions. With five live pilots and seven feasibility studies already completed, the program expands its scope in its second year. 

The program’s success hinges on the collaboration, transparency, and dedication of all partners. TT Club’s pivotal role as an insurer offers invaluable insights, fostering discussions among stakeholders across the supply chain to maximise mutual benefits between asset owners, insurers, and technology providers. 

Additional Information:

With ocean shipping driving 90% of global trade and over 200 million containers transported annually, the maritime industry relies heavily on constant operations, leading to increased fire safety risks at ports worldwide. Cargo fires pose significant threats to human life, the environment, and financial stability, tarnishing the image of seaborne trade. 

TT Club estimates that every 60 days, a serious ship fire occurs, often exacerbated by undeclared or improperly packed hazardous cargo. Emerging factors like Automated and Electric Vehicles further complicate the situation. While regulatory bodies like the HSE and Department of Transport have introduced regulation and guidelines, a standardised global approach is still lacking. 

Addressing this urgent issue, the Cargo Fire and Loss Initiative (CFLII) unites industry leaders, insurers, regulators, and cutting-edge technologies to mitigate risks and foster a safer maritime environment. Led by the Safetytech Accelerator (STA), CFLII facilitates collaboration, technology sourcing, and deployment support. 

Anchor partners, including insurers like TT Club and UK P&I, as well as major shipping companies such as Ocean Network Express, Evergreen, Maersk, MSC, Offenship and Seaspan alongside regulatory expertise from Lloyds Register, collectively set challenges,provide infrastructure for pilots and raise awareness on the topic. 

The program’s inaugural focus on ‘Early-Stage Fire Detection’ involved consultation with TT Club to define challenge parameters and identify key technologies. This led to a fast-paced feasibility studies to de-risk deploying these cutting-edge technologies across ships and ports. 

Key technologies identified include Fibre Optic Linear Heat Detection, Sensor-Based LHD, IoT Networks, Infrared Cameras, Traditional Gas Sensors, Radio Signal Disruption Analysis, Distributed IR Lens Networks, and Nanotube Chemical Signature Analysis. 

Success metrics include the identification of fit-for-purpose technologies and the translation of feasibility studies into pilot projects. To date, CFLII has delivered five live pilots and seven

feasibility studies, with positive feedback and continued participation indicating the value of collaborative efforts. 

By bringing together stakeholders with vested interests in addressing maritime safety challenges, CFLII aims to pioneer solutions that enhance safety and sustainability in global seaborne trade. 

Quote from TT Club   

Supporting documents