Gothenburg, Sweden, 31 August – 3 September 2025
The OVERHEAT project was presented at the International Conference on Ships and Offshore Structures (ICSOS 2025), hosted by Chalmers University of Technology.
A contribution from DITS, ISSNOVA, and ILOT project partners introduced the methodological framework developed within OVERHEAT for the prevention and management of fire incidents on container ships and in port terminals.
The objective of the presented work was to illustrate an integrated framework for risk assessment and fire prevention, developed under the EU-funded OVERHEAT project. This framework represents a key project output and combines a systematic hazard identification process, probabilistic risk modelling, and a decision-support tool for maritime operators.
The specific goals are threefold:
- To identify and categorize critical fire hazards associated with containerized cargo, shipboard equipment, and terminal handling processes, based on comprehensive accident and incident data.
- To develop and validate a quantitative risk assessment methodology enabling the estimation of fire occurrence likelihood and its potential consequences for both ships and terminal facilities.
- To propose operational and technological measures that enhance fire prevention, detection, and emergency response, supporting compliance with international maritime safety regulations and future-proofing terminal operations.
This contribution provided one of the core deliverables of OVERHEAT — a risk-based decision-support tool for stakeholders in the maritime and offshore logistics domain. This tool is designed to support safer ship operations, minimize economic losses, and enhance environmental protection, in line with ICSOS 2025’s focus on safety and sustainability in ships and offshore structures.
The session attracted around 200 participants, including representatives from universities, maritime safety agencies, and industry actors in shipping and logistics, who exchanged insights on technological innovation, proactive safety, and sustainable maritime transport.
The presentation underscored OVERHEAT’s role in promoting a proactive, data-driven paradigm in maritime fire safety, aligned with international standards and the EU’s mission for resilient maritime infrastructure.
