What is the capacity of the AFFF tanks on a typical ship?

The capacity of the AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) tanks on a typical ship is generally around 600 gallons. This quantity is designed to provide an adequate amount of foam concentrate for effective firefighting purposes, particularly in response to flammable liquid fires. The AFFF system is a critical component in the ship's fire protection strategy, as it helps to suppress fires by forming a film that smothers the flames and prevents re-ignition.

AFFF tanks are sized based on the expected fire hazards onboard and the need to ensure that sufficient foam is readily available for immediate deployment in an emergency. The 600-gallon capacity strikes a balance between being large enough to handle significant fire events while still being manageable for the ship’s firefighting systems. Tanks with much lower capacities would limit firefighting effectiveness, while excessively large capacities could introduce challenges related to storage, weight, and maintenance.

Therefore, the choice of 600 gallons aligns with standard practices and requirements within maritime safety protocols and firefighting strategy.