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Infrared in the maritime sector: what it is and how it is used

September 8, 2025

Infrared: a thermal technology for safe navigation and fire prevention

In recent years, thermography has undergone a genuine transformation. Thanks to rapid technological advances and the falling cost of marine thermal cameras, infrared has become an accessible and strategic tool in the maritime sector. Once reserved for high-end military or industrial use, it’s now found on yachts, commercial vessels and working boats, becoming a key ally for safety at sea.

Its main applications focus on two distinct yet complementary areas: navigation and thermal monitoring.

Both relate to safety but serve different needs: the first concerns the safe operation of the vessel, the second focuses on preventing faults and onboard fires.

What is infrared technology and how does it work

Every object emits infrared radiation in proportion to its temperature. This principle, rooted in thermodynamics, forms the basis of modern thermographic technology. Thermal cameras use it to detect and convert thermal radiation into visible images, allowing precise measurement of surface temperature variations even from a distance.

This advanced non-invasive diagnostic technique, now well established in the monitoring of mechanical components and industrial systems, has found increasingly strategic applications in the maritime sector. From thermal analysis to detect abnormal overheating to assisted navigation in low-visibility conditions, infrared technology has evolved from a specialist tool into an essential solution for the safety and operational efficiency of modern vessels.

Thermal cameras for night-time navigation: advantages of infrared at sea

In open water, especially at night or in low-visibility conditions, seeing means surviving. Navigation thermal cameras provide a clear view even in complete darkness by detecting heat sources such as buoys, vessels, floating objects, marine animals or people in the water. Unlike radar, infrared does not rely on movement or reflection: it reads the thermal radiation emitted by objects directly.

This capability is essential for:

Avoiding collisions in crowded waters or poorly lit harbours.
Identifying potential security threats in high-risk environments.
Supporting night-time rescue operations where every second counts.

Thermal cameras integrated into onboard systems can also be linked to radar and multifunction navigation displays, making the user interface intuitive and immediate even for non-specialist crews.

Thermal monitoring below deck: fire prevention with infrared technology

Infrared is not only useful for navigation, but it plays another crucial role: monitoring temperatures within the vessel. This type of monitoring has become especially important with the rise of hybrid propulsion systems and the growing use of lithium batteries, technologies that present new safety challenges.

The main risk is thermal runaway: an uncontrolled chain reaction that can turn a thermal anomaly into a devastating fire. In this context, thermal cameras make it possible to:

Detect abnormal overheating in electrical cabinets, engines and battery packs.
Act promptly before a fault or fire outbreak occurs.
Store thermal data for predictive maintenance and traceability.

Although thermographic systems for fire prevention are not yet required by specific regulations, their presence represents a significant added value in terms of safety and prevention. In a regulatory landscape that is still evolving, adopting these technologies can help meet the expectations of certification bodies and strengthen the credibility of the vessel’s design.

Infrared technology at sea: an essential investment in safety

Infrared is no longer a luxury reserved for superyachts. It has become a vital component of modern maritime safety. Whether avoiding an obstacle in open water or detecting a hotspot before it turns into a fire, thermal cameras are transforming the way vessels are navigated and protected. As the industry moves towards hybrid and electric propulsion, this technology is set to play out an increasingly central role in both current and future seafaring.

In response to these growing demands, E-Nav has developed SEW (Safety Early Warning): an advanced temperature monitoring system specifically designed for marine and industrial environments. Built on years of field research and refinement, SEW offers a practical solution that combines high-precision industrial thermal cameras, real-time analysis software and automatic response capabilities. The system continuously monitors critical areas of the vessel, including lithium battery bays and electrical cabinets, providing a proactive approach to fire prevention.

The system operates 24/7. Whilst it does not replace the crew, it enhances their capabilities through intelligent alarms, event geolocation and programmable automatic interventions.

Discover how SEW can protect your vessel