Irish Sea ferry operator Stena Line oversees large-scale multi-agency emergency response exercise at its 12 Quays Terminal in Birkenhead, simulating a fire on board one of its vessels. Tony McDonough reports

Irish Sea ferry operator Stena Line simulated a ‘fire at sea’ emergency on board one of its vessels in an exercise held at the 12 Quays Terminal in Birkenhead.

This multi-agency emergency response event brought together maritime, emergency service and port partners to test and strengthen fire response procedures in a realistic operational environment.

It forms part of the company’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety for employees, customers, contractors and partners.

Stena operates twice-a-day returning sailings to Belfast from the terminal, which carry freight, cars and foot passengers, as well as regular freight-only services between the Mersey and Dublin.

During the exercise, a fire onboard a vessel while at sea was simulated, with the scenario progressing to an emergency response operation after the vessel berthed at the port.

Designed to closely mirror a real-life incident, it tested communication protocols, decision-making, coordination between agencies and the deployment of emergency resources both onboard and ashore.

Teams from Stena Line, HM Coastguard, Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service all took part in the operation.

Michael Proctor, fleet manager, Stena Line, said: “Safety is our number one priority and exercises such as this are vital in ensuring we are fully prepared to respond should an incident ever occur.

“The success of this exercise demonstrates the professionalism and close collaboration that exists between Stena Line and our emergency service partners.

“The valuable learning gained will help further strengthen safety for our colleagues, customers and everyone who works across our port and vessel operations.”

A key objective of the exercise was to encourage collaboration and shared learning across the wider maritime industry. Observers included Peel Ports, Liverpool University, ferry operators and representatives from the emergency response and shipping sectors.

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Michael Buratti, area commander, HM Coastguard, added: “Exercises of this scale give all agencies a valuable opportunity to test our plans, communications and joint decision making in a realistic environment.

“Maritime incidents can require a complex, coordinated response both at sea and ashore, so working alongside Stena Line and our emergency service partners helps ensure we are collectively prepared to respond effectively.”