On 30 March 2026, from 15:00 to 16:30 CEST, the first consultation workshop of the OVERHEAT Stakeholders Support Board (SSB) was successfully held online, bringing together key stakeholders and project partners.
The workshop represented an important milestone for the project, providing a valuable opportunity to present and discuss the first solutions developed within OVERHEAT. The session opened with an introduction by the Technical Coordinator, followed by a round table where SSB members and partners briefly introduced themselves, fostering an open and collaborative environment.
The core of the workshop focused on the presentation of two main technological pillars of the project: the sensor-based monitoring system for early fire detection in containers, and the deployment of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to support fire detection and monitoring operations. These sessions highlighted the promising results achieved so far and demonstrated how the integration of advanced sensing technologies and drone capabilities can significantly enhance early warning and situational awareness.
Particular attention was given to the innovative solutions developed by PeopleTrust and Topview, whose results were met with strong interest and positive feedback from the Stakeholders Support Board. The interactive discussion session allowed participants to share insights and assess the potential operational uptake of the proposed solutions.
Feedback collected during the workshop confirms the relevance and added value of the OVERHEAT solutions. Stakeholders highlighted key strengths such as early warning capabilities, improved fire detection, real-time monitoring, and enhanced decision-making support. The solutions were considered valuable for their operational contexts, achieving an average score of 3.6 out of 5 in perceived value, and were recognised as addressing clear and urgent needs.
Moreover, stakeholders identified the greatest potential impact of these solutions in improving efficiency in fire detection and supporting better decision-making processes, confirming the strong alignment of OVERHEAT outcomes with real operational challenges in maritime safety.
Overall, the first SSB consultation marked a successful step forward in engaging end-users and validating project developments. The positive feedback received will play a crucial role in further refining the solutions and ensuring their effectiveness, usability, and future uptake.
