From Firefighting to Foresight: Waves Group’s New Era in Marine Fire Risk
As the maritime industry grapples with increasingly complex fire risks, from lithium-ion battery incidents on container vessels to spontaneous combustion in bulk cargo – Waves Group is stepping forward with a significantly enhanced fire prevention, response, and investigation capability.
A Strategic Expansion
The recent appointment of globally experienced fire investigator Lea McDonald marks a pivotal moment for Waves Group. With decades of hands-on incident response across vessel types and geographies, Lea brings a wealth of technical fire expertise to complement the maritime fire and HAZMAT experience of long-standing consultant Paul Coates.
Together, they form a rare and powerful team – uniting deep fire science with operational maritime insight. Supported by Waves Group’s broader multi-disciplinary team of Master Mariners, Marine Engineers, and Naval Architects, this duo enables a truly integrated approach to managing marine fire risk.
Beyond Investigation: A Full-Spectrum Capability
Unlike traditional fire consultancies that focus solely on post-incident analysis, Waves Group offers a comprehensive lifecycle service:
- Prevention: Proactive risk assessments, heat monitoring strategies, and tailored training for superyacht crews and commercial operators.
- Response: Rapid deployment to live incidents, direct vessel communication, and coordination with insurers and legal teams.
- Investigation: Forensic analysis of fire origins and causes, with clear, actionable reporting for stakeholders.
This holistic approach is already making an impact. Waves Group has investigated major fires on car carriers, container vessels, and bulk carriers, and has played a key role in shaping the latest Cargo Incident Notification System (CINS) Guidelines for the safe carriage of lithium-ion batteries.
Trusted by the Industry
Waves Group is frequently instructed directly by P&I Clubs, admiralty law firms, and cargo owners, especially when other firms are conflicted. This trust is built on a reputation for independence, technical excellence, and calm, reliable guidance during high-stakes incidents.
Thought Leadership in Action
Waves Group’s commitment to industry safety extends beyond incident response. The team regularly contributes to global safety initiatives and thought leadership, including:
- Development of CINS Fire Guidelines
- Training programs for shipowners and insurers
- Insights on emerging risks like thermal runaway and spontaneous heating
Let’s Talk Fire Risk
Whether you’re attending an upcoming event, managing a fleet, or advising clients on risk, Waves Group is ready to support your fire safety strategy.
Contact us to arrange a capability briefing at our London office.
