Fires on superyachts can cause tremendous damage and often attract significant media attention with numerous photos and videos circulating on news outlets and social media.
Understanding the cause of these fires is crucial, not only for insurance companies aiming to recoup losses by pursuing claims against third parties but also to prevent future instances. Conducting a forensic fire investigation is vital, starting with pinpointing the fire’s origin – without which determining the cause is near impossible. Investigators then focus on identifying viable ignition sources and the materials that first ignited within this area.
Investigating fires on any vessel poses unique challenges; however, the complexities multiply in the case of superyachts due to their large size, sophisticated systems, and multiple decks.
Unlike smaller boats where owners might undertake DIY maintenance and upgrades, superyachts typically feature professionally installed and maintained electrical and mechanical systems, including solar panels and related wiring, which generally do not pose a significant fire hazard.
An emerging concern is the growing popularity of electric recreational devices, or ‘toys’, on superyachts, such as electric sea bobs, jet skis, surfboards and especially electric transport tools like bikes, scooters, and unicycles. These devices mainly use lithium-based batteries, favoured for their high energy density and extended power delivery.
However, products like electric scooters and unicycles, which have already been prohibited on various transport systems including the London Underground, present specific risks. Their battery packs, situated close to the ground, are vulnerable to structural damage that can lead to a hazardous condition known as thermal runaway.
I have seen many scooter users getting around pontoons and marinas, as they are light and easy to stow. As the use of electric- powered leisure devices increases, ensuring their safe storage and maintenance aboard superyachts will become increasingly important to mitigate fire risks, protecting both property and lives on board.
Although lithium-based batteries can fail, they often receive negative press and can be the easy option to blame for causing fires when they are reported to have been on board, and the cause has not been determined. However, in my experience, something that is not commonly carried out on board superyachts is ‘battery management’, especially for the toys.
Batteries should be numbered, and a log kept of each one to include their state of charge (SoC) (%) before use, SoC after use and time spent in use, but just as importantly, their physical condition before and after both use and charging.
The latter relates to any swelling, structural damage, or leakages. The batteries should be paired to the original manufacturer’s charger and not a third-party charger. A log of each battery may allow those responsible for them to recognise a new or developing defect before the battery goes into thermal runaway.
Also on board should be suitably sized fire and explosion proof containers to store damaged, defective, or suspect battery packs. One final recommendation for the superyacht industry is to specify that every superyacht’s onboard garage is fitted with a battery storage and recharging cabinet that is equipped with not only smoke and gas detection, but also a water mist system. The cost of these cabinets pale into insignificance compared to the damage, or more likely the loss, of a superyacht.
For more details visit www.fireinvestigationsuk.com
