What has been identified as a main cause of engine room fires over the years?

Fine oil mist leaking from pipes has been identified as a significant contributor to engine room fires. This is primarily because oil mist can create an explosive atmosphere when it mixes with air and comes into contact with an ignition source. Engine rooms are often filled with high temperatures and various potential ignition sources, making any combustible mist particularly hazardous.

While electrical shorts, overheating machinery, and faulty ignition systems can also lead to fires, they typically do not create the same immediate fire risk as oil mist. Oil mist leaks are often more insidious due to their ability to evaporate and create flammable vapors that can ignite under various conditions, making proper maintenance and monitoring of oil systems crucial for fire safety in engine rooms. Understanding this helps maritime engineers to focus on mitigating these risks effectively.