Consilium Safety Group and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) have taken a major step toward advancing maritime fire safety by signing a new agreement to explore the use of AI-powered cameras within certified fire alarm systems on ships.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formalised during the Gastech exhibition in Milan, focuses on integrating Hyundai’s HiCAMS technology — a camera-based system capable of detecting smoke and flames — into Consilium’s fire detection solutions.
While camera-driven fire detection is gaining momentum in other sectors, this initiative is among the first aimed directly at marine environments.
A pilot installation is already underway aboard the test vessel Sawasdee Sunrise in Korea, where HiCAMS is connected to Consilium’s Safety Management Interface Graphics (SMiG).
The initial trials concentrate on early smoke and flame recognition.
One of the first operational uses is expected on container vessels: Consilium’s existing Temperature Monitoring System (TMS) monitors heat changes in below-deck containers, while HiCAMS would extend detection to cargo stowed above deck.
READ: Hyundai delivers advanced LNG carrier to France LNG
Thobias Ernfridsson, CTO at Consilium Safety Group, said: “There is strong interest in combining proven systems like TMS with new detection methods for areas where additional coverage is needed. Working with Hyundai on HiCAMS, a proven video-based fire detection technology, we aim to demonstrate its potential as a key component of certified fire alarm systems for maritime safety.”
Ernfridsson noted that the technology’s value extends beyond containerships.
“Camera-based detection can monitor a much larger volume and provide earlier warnings in such environments,” he explained.
The next phase for the partners is to begin discussions with a classification society to secure an Approval in Principle (AIP), confirming the technology’s suitability for certification within a fire alarm system and enabling a full proof-of-concept.
The agreement continues the long-standing collaboration between the two companies.
“This is a natural next step, giving us the chance to explore new ways of improving safety together,” Ernfridsson added.
For more information:
Consilium Safety Group – https://www.consiliumsafety.com/en/
Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) – https://www.hhi.co.kr/en/main
