Analysis of fire and explosion accidents occurring in tankers transporting hazardous cargoes

This study investigates maritime accident reports regarding fire and explosion (F&E) events that occurred between 1999 and 2013 in tankers transporting hazardous liquid cargoes. The aim is to analyse the root causes of F&E accidents and identify the relationship with their causative factors. The most significant causes of F&E accidents are found to be hot work, electric arcs, static electricity, and combustible gas accumulation in the cargo tank. The main causative factors are the violation of work permits and a lack of risk analysis. Fire prevention aboard ships can be improved by enhancing training standards and safety awareness, and reducing the commercial pressures on ship operations.