ABS expands industry-leading guidance for fire protection on containerships

ABS, a leading provider of classification and technical services to the offshore and marine industries, has updated the ABS Guide for Fire-Fighting Systems for On-Deck Cargo Areas of Container Carriers (FOC Guide), expanding its industry-leading guidance to the existing containership fleet.

The FOC Guide goes 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. The FOC Guide takes a comprehensive approach to assessing firefighting system pressure and capacity, while accounting for vessel size in its requirements. The new FOC-R notation provides guidance that can be effectively applied to existing vessels leading to an enhanced standard for container deck fire-fighting.

For more than 50 years, ABS has been a trusted technical advisor for the containership sector. From the very first containership in operation to today’s most advanced ships, ABS is an industry leader. No other class organization has a comparable track record for aiding the containership sector in identifying and leveraging new concepts to improve operations, protect the environment and enhance safety.

About ABS
Founded in 1862, ABS is a leading international classification organization devoted to promoting the security of life and property and preserving the natural environment through the development and verification of standards for the design, construction and operational maintenance of marine and offshore assets.