CMA CGM has opted to install the HydroPen container firefighting system on 85 of its vessels.
Container fires are a serious cause of concern for the industry, especially with ever larger vessels, however, firefighting equipment remains primitive.
French container line has contracted VIKING Life-Saving Equipment to install the system on 85 of its vessels, the largest order to date.
The HydroPen combines a standard firefighting hose with a drill to penetrate the container and then extinguish fire with water, foam or CO2. The system can be used above or below deck.
CMA CGM has trialled the system in Marseille and onboard the vessel CMA CGM T Roosevelt with hands on training in Los Angeles.
Dorte Moeskjaer Hansen, VIKING Vice President Sales Regions, said: ““When it comes to an expression of confidence in HydroPen, an order of this scale from a carrier of CMA CGM’s stature speaks for itself. For the safety of crew, cargo and the ship itself, container fires are best dealt with on board as quickly as possible, using a system whose true value comes from its being so easy to use.”
Source: Seatrade Maritime
