The OVERHEAT project validates new IoT sensor and drone technologies for firefighting on ships in Valencia

 

La Fundación Valenciaport, in collaboration with the Consorcio Provincial de Bomberos de Valencia, Intersagunto Terminales and Autoridad Portuaria de Valencia, has validated in Valencia the technological solutions of the European project OVERHEAT to prevent and manage fires on container ships using sensors IoT and autonomous drones.

 

High-tech simulation in the port environment

 

Installations Intersagunto Terminales —terminal belonging to the Grupo Alonso— have been the scene of a critical demonstration for the maritime safetyThe exercise consisted of a controlled fire simulation in a container located in a three-tiered stack, allowing the effectiveness of intelligent detection systems to be tested in a real operating environment.

 

During the operation, the IoT sensors Strategically installed in the ventilation ducts, they immediately detected the fire, activating the alarms and triggering the intervention protocol for the firefighting teams. This capability of early detection It is vital to minimize the risks of major accidents at sea or in port areas.

 

Autonomous drones and intelligent patrolling

 

The second phase of the technical trial evaluated the behavior of autonomous drones programmed for patrol, these devices, equipped with high-precision cameras, were able to identify the presence of smoke outside the cargo. The technology enabled the generation of automatic alerts and the transmission of real-time images to the command post from various perspectives, facilitating tactical decision-making by emergency commanders.

 

• IoT thermal sensors: Constant monitoring capability in hard-to-reach areas of the ship.
• Surveillance drones: Reduced response time and aerial visualization of the incident.
• Automation: Reducing the influence of human error in emergency management.

 

Economic impact and budget of the OVERHEAT project

 

The project OVERHEAT (Innovative strategies for containership fires prevention and management) is led by the Italian Maritime Academy (IMATand has strong international participation. The initiative seeks to mitigate not only the human impact, but also the economic risks arising from collisions or groundings following a fire on board.

 

Concept	Project Details
Total budget	Over 7 million euros
Finance	Program Horizonte Europa (CINEA)
Coordination	Italian Maritime Academy (IMAT)
Test venue	Intersagunto Terminales, Valencia

 

With this validation, the logistics sector is moving towards a safer and more resilient transport model, protecting global supply chains and environmentally sensitive areas where these large ships operate.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the OVERHEAT project

What is the main objective of the OVERHEAT project?

Develop advanced technological solutions, such as sensors and artificial intelligence, to reduce the incidence of fires on container ships and minimize the risks of secondary accidents such as collisions.

What technologies have been validated in the port of Valencia?

The following have been successfully validated IoT thermal sensors installed in containers for internal detection and use autonomous drones for smoke identification and real-time image generation.

Who is funding this maritime security initiative?

The project has a budget of more than 7 millones de euros, co-financed by the European Union through the program Horizonte Europa and Agencia Ejecutiva Europea de Clima, Infraestructuras y Medio Ambiente (CINEA).