Engine rooms are the beating hearts of modern cargo ships—but they’re also a hotbed of risk. Housing high-pressure fuel systems, hydraulic lines, and vital machinery, these spaces account for nearly half of all onboard fires. When things go wrong, they go wrong fast—and the consequences can be catastrophic. With incidents like the Carnival Triumph fire and the fatal Moritz Schulte blaze fresh in the industry’s memory, it’s clear that traditional safety measures, while crucial, are no longer enough on their own.
The High Cost of a Small Leak
The financial and operational consequences of even a small engine room leak can be immense. Industry data shows that engine room fires occur at a rate of roughly 13 incidents per 10,000 ships annually—a figure that, while seemingly low, represents dozens of major events each year across the global fleet. When they do occur, these incidents are among the most costly in maritime operations. On average, a single engine room fire results in approximately $1.85 million in insured damages, encompassing repairs to critical machinery, electrical systems, and cleanup efforts. In many cases, the actual costs escalate even higher due to extended vessel downtime, salvage operations, or emergency tows.
One of the most alarming aspects is how quickly a minor leak can evolve into a multimillion-dollar disaster. A delay of just 10 minutes in detecting a high-pressure oil leak or incipient fire can multiply the damage exponentially—raising total losses from a manageable $200,000 to over $3 million. These figures don’t even account for lost charter revenue, reputational harm, environmental fines, or the risk to human life. The economic toll underscores a harsh reality: in the engine room, every second counts, and the cost of waiting can be catastrophic.
Where Current Methods Fall Short
While regulations like SOLAS have brought significant safety improvements—such as double-walled fuel lines, spray shields, and insulation—most detection systems are reactive. They raise the alarm after a leak has already reached a dangerous point. Human monitoring, routine inspections, and bilge alarms simply can’t catch every early-stage failure, especially during Unattended Machinery Space (UMS) operation.
Enter AI: The Digital Crew Member
FleetVision™, a conceptual AI-based CCTV system, is the industry’s latest leap forward in proactive safety. By combining visual pattern recognition and thermal imaging, it continuously scans engine rooms for the earliest signs of trouble:
- AI Visual Detection: Identifies mist sprays, liquid pooling, or flickers of smoke in real time.
- Thermal Monitoring: Spots overheating components or failed insulation before ignition occurs.
- 24/7 Coverage: Operates without fatigue—even when the engine room is unmanned.
This system doesn’t just warn the crew—it can buy precious minutes for corrective action, potentially preventing fires or floods before they happen.
More Than Detection—It’s Smart Prevention
FleetVision™ also helps enforce safety protocols by verifying if protective covers, insulation, or spray shields have been properly reinstalled post-maintenance. In time, it may even interface with onboard automation to initiate emergency shutdowns or suppression measures if human response is delayed.
The result? A smarter, safer ship.
Why It Pays to Invest in Prevention
A single engine room incident can cost millions. Yet, implementing AI surveillance like FleetVision™ is just a fraction of that price. Shipowners looking to reduce insurance claims, improve vessel uptime, and protect their crews are now turning to technology as a proactive risk mitigation strategy.
Final Thoughts
Engine room leakage is not just a maintenance issue—it’s a mission-critical safety threat. The maritime industry has the tools, knowledge, and now the AI technology to tackle it head-on.
If you’re a shipowner or operator, ask yourself: Can you afford not to detect leaks early?
ShipIn Systems has been shortlisted for the 2025 SAFETY4SEA Technology Award, which recognizes breakthrough contributions to maritime safety and innovation!
