Fire Suppression Systems for Port & Terminal Equipment

WHEN EQUIPMENT STOPS, CARGO WAITS

A fire on a reach stacker, terminal tractor, or other critical machine can put an operator at risk, damage equipment, and disrupt cargo movement. AFEX helps port and terminal operators evaluate onboard fire protection designed around their machines and the hazards they face. 

One Machine Fire Can Affect the Whole Shift

When a critical machine is taken out of service, the concern goes beyond the repair. The operator needs to get to safety, the equipment may need extensive work, and planned cargo moves may be interrupted. 

Port equipment also has different fire exposures from machine to machine. Heat, fuel, hydraulic fluids, and electrical components all need to be considered when deciding where and how to protect a fleet. 

A small forklift working in a port yard carrying shipping containers during sunset.
Port heavy equipment working around cargo

Which Machines Keep Your Operation Moving?

AFEX works with fleet operators to evaluate fire protection for equipment used throughout ports, terminals, and intermodal yards. 

Reach Stackers

Evaluate onboard protection for machines moving and stacking containers across the terminal. 

Empty Container Handlers

Evaluate fire risks on equipment working in container storage and staging areas. 

Terminal Tractors

Consider onboard protection for machines moving trailers and containers throughout the yard. 

Heavy Forklifts

Help protect operators and forklifts handling containers, steel, lumber, and other cargo. 

Container Handlers & Top Loaders

Plan protection around the components and demands of heavy container-handling equipment. 

Mobile Harbor & Material Handling Equipment

Assess larger and specialized mobile machines based on their design and fire risks. 

SEE AFEX FIRE PROTECTION IN ACTION

Fire Protection on Equipment That Moves

Ports rely on many types of mobile equipment, each with its own working conditions and fire risks. See how AFEX approaches fire suppression across heavy equipment applications.

Fire Protection Starts with the Machine

There is no single layout that fits every piece of port equipment. When evaluating protection, AFEX considers: 

  1. The machine and its operating conditions: What does it do, and where does it work? 
  2. The fire hazards: Which components and areas present potential fire risks? 
  3. The system design: How can detection and suppression be arranged for that application? 
  4. Service over time: How will the system be inspected and maintained? 

AFEX specializes in fire suppression for heavy mobile equipment, with trained distribution partners who support installation and ongoing service. 

Questions We Can Help You Work Through

Heavy mobile equipment can contain multiple potential ignition and fuel sources, including hot surfaces, electrical components, fuel, hydraulic fluids, and combustible debris. An onboard fire suppression system provides an additional layer of protection designed to detect and suppress fires in protected areas of the machine.
Yes. AFEX evaluates the equipment, potential ignition and fuel sources, operating environment, where people work around the machine, and other application-specific factors to help determine the appropriate fire suppression approach.
That’s common in port operations. Fire risks and protection needs should be considered by machine type and configuration.
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Let’s Talk About Your Fleet

Whether you’re looking at one critical machine or a broader fleet, tell us what equipment you operate and what prompted you to look at fire protection. We’ll help you determine the next step for evaluating your application.