Tackling the Evolving Challenge of Cargo Fires at Sea Introduction Cargo fires at sea are no longer isolated incidents. They are becoming more frequent, more complex to manage and far more severe in their consequences. What is emerging is not simply a rise in incidents, but a systemic risk that is reshaping maritime safety, operations and liability exposure. For shipowners, operators, seafarers and insurers, this calls for a more practical and connected approach to risk management, one that reflects how these incidents develop in reality, rather than how they are addressed in theory. A risk escalating on multiple fronts Recent industry data and operational experience point to a clear and concerning trend: cargo fires are increasing in both frequency and severity. According to the Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS), container cargo fires in 2023 occurred on average once every nine days, compared to around once every two weeks in 2020.  This upward trend is also reflected more broadly across the industry. The International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) has reported a continued rise in large vessel fires. Similarly, the Nordic Association of Marine Insurers noted in its 2025 mid-year hull report that, since 2015, fires have accounted for 16 of the 26 claims exceeding USD 20 million, making them the leading driver of major losses. Several key factors are driving this escalation: Misdeclared cargo remains one of the most persistent challenges. While many high-profile incidents involve dangerous goods on containerships, misdeclaration is also a concern in bulk shipping, where cargoes such as coal and fertilisers are often incorrectly declared. Investigations into scrap metal fire incidents have similarly revealed the presence of undeclared hazardous items, such as lithium batteries and gas canisters containing flammable gases. The rapid growth in lithium-ion battery shipments further illustrates how the risk landscape is changing. At the same time, reg