As the use of automated vessels increases, the challenges of effective fire protection measures becomes more prevalent. From remote or automated intervention and fixed firefighting methods through to confirmation of fires being extinguished, there is a challenge to integrate the right systems and to ensure they are sufficiently robust to deliver their performance with a high degree of certainty. This paper will investigate the nuances of fire protection requirements and functional solutions for the new generation of Naval Autonomous Surface Vessels (N-ASV) and will consider some of the challenges still to be overcome in the implementation of solutions. Starting with ‘why do we need a different approach to N-ASV fire protection’ consideration will be given to some of the requirements that may drive an approach, together with the continued requirement for fire protection, when there is no risk to life. Fire containment, situational awareness including detection, and suppression /extinction will be deliberated, together with approaches that could be considered in the definition of the fire protection arrangements for a N-ASV. How does the evolving layout of the N-ASVs influence fire protection? How can machinery control be better used to suppress a fire? Situation awareness is an important part of firefighting and today much of this is gained through either dedicated detectors or people; what might our options be to maintain and increase situational awareness, and how can we better use other system sensor arrangements to detect fire and its precursors? These approaches in many instances can be achieved with equipment and systems already used for fire protection either at sea or onshore; where appropriate the use of systems either developed, but not marinized, or still in development will be identified together with the application of more traditional marinised fire protection technologies.