On February 20, 2025, a fire broke out on the Grimaldi-operated cargo vessel Grande Brasile, 15 nautical miles off the Kent coast in the English Channel. The fire, which was contained by onboard suppression systems, led to no reported injuries. The vessel issued a distress signal, and rescue teams from France, the Netherlands, and the UK responded. The estimated financial loss is approximately $5 million, including damages to the ship and operational delays.


Planck Vision Systems: Sixth Grimaldi Vessel Suffers Fire, Grande Brasile Fire Contained, Estimated Losses of $5 Million

NEWS

On February 20, 2025, the Grimaldi-operated cargo vessel, Grande Brasile, experienced a fire while sailing through the English Channel. The fire broke out 15 nautical miles off the coast of Kent. At the time, the ship was en route to its destination, but the blaze was quickly contained by the vessel’s onboard fire suppression systems. This incident marks the sixth fire on a Grimaldi vessel since 2019, drawing attention to recurring safety concerns within the fleet.

The fire prompted a distress signal from the Grande Brasile at approximately 09:35 GMT, which was immediately followed by a multi-country rescue operation. Emergency crews from the UK, France, and the Netherlands responded swiftly, ensuring the safety of the crew members on board. No injuries were reported, and the firefighting operation, led by the vessel’s suppression systems and supported by external teams, helped to keep the fire contained.

This incident adds to a string of similar occurrences on Grimaldi’s fleet, highlighting the importance of fire detection and safety measures on board ships. The Grande Brasile is one of several vessels that have suffered from similar fire-related events in recent years. Although the fire was controlled swiftly, the financial damages are estimated to be approximately $5 million, accounting for the damages to the ship and the interruption to its operations.

For cargo vessels like the Grande Brasile, the use of advanced thermal imaging technology plays a crucial role in preventing such incidents from escalating. Planck Vision Systems’ cutting-edge products, such as the TRX600, TNC20, and TNC400PT thermal imaging cameras, provide continuous monitoring and early detection of heat anomalies, allowing for the identification of fire risks before they can become major threats. By detecting abnormal heat patterns early on, these systems help prevent the destruction of goods and reduce the risk to both the crew and the vessel.

As maritime transportation continues to face challenges related to fire safety, Planck Vision Systems stands at the forefront of technological solutions designed to provide real-time surveillance and early alerts. These systems offer vital protection to prevent the loss of assets, minimize damage, and safeguard the future of the shipping industry.


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