Houston-based American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has updated the ABS Guide for Fire-Fighting Systems for On-Deck Cargo Areas of Container Carriers (FOC Guide) ABS Executive Vice President for Global Marine Dr Kirsi Tikka said that “by broadening this Guide, ABS makes it possible for owners to apply the same degree of assessment and review to their active fleets that they do for new construction.”
ABS noted that the FOC Guide went beyond International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements for container deck firefighting capabilities by supporting owners in navigating risks based on the unique characteristics of each container load, location of the container on the vessel and various firefighting spray patterns.
“Key for the owners and operators is the ability to protect life and cargo onboard,” said ABS Vice President for Containerships Matthew Tremblay, adding that “by applying this Guide, containership owners can demonstrate a commitment to safety and fire protection that supports more secure operations.” http://ww2.eagle.org/en/news/press-room/2017/ABS-Expands-Industry-leading-Guidance-Fire-Protection-Containerships.html