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This paper presents the results of applying ennobled solid biomass via mechanical compaction or torrefaction as fuel for ships, in terms of fire safety, environmental protection, the increase in liquid fuel prices and the dwindling resources of crude oil. The object of investigation is a ship of the ro-pax ferry type, with low cruising range, which is intended for service on the Baltic Sea. The ship's power system is discussed and the results of calculations of the thermal cycle for a steam turbine power plant are presented. We present a simplified comparative analysis of a fuel bunker for a ship with a power plant including biomass fired boilers, and for a ship with a conventional solution of a motor power plant supplied by ultra-low sulphur fuel originating from crude oil. The advantages of applying a fluidised bed biomass fired boiler are highlighted, and selected results from tests of this boiler are presented. In addition, we assess potential fire hazards on the ship resulting from the storage and transport of pellets, and from pellets after torrefaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The statistics invariably show that most onboard fires originate in the engine room. In hazardous conditions, fires can spread to other rooms of the ship and cause the loss of human life, and can cause the ship to be out of service or lost completely. To prevent these serious consequences, the engine room crew should be aware of hazards and ways to prevent them. It is also advisable to support their routine activities and actions in critical situations with an appropriate management system. For this reason, a survey was conducted at the beginning of 2019 of engine room crew members employed by a European shipowner, as a contribution to an analysis of fire safety management. Based on the results of the survey, some of the elements of the fire safety management system of the ship engine room are described. A properly constructed system that is understandable and accepted by the crew is one of the most important factors in increasing fire safety on a ship. Familiarisation with adequate procedures can significantly contribute to the successful prevention of accidents. This paper also proposes a checklist based on suggestions by the crew, which may be helpful in onboard fire prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]