Maritime

Maritime

Flexible and robust firefighting technologies for land and sea applications 
 

Pier and Cargo Ship

During ship loading and unloading operations, leaked fuel or liquefied natural gas may serve as an ignition source. Adjusting protective measures in accordance with prevailing environmental conditions can ensure fire safety at the terminal and on board the vessel. Weather and water‑level variations must be taken into account, and the fire‑suppression system is required to be highly reliable.

Assets to be protected:

Flammable liquids (such as fuel oil, liquefied natural gas)

Loading/unloading arms, pump station manifolds

Cabin, cargo hold

 

Fire Protection System Requirements

Firefighting technologies are typically categorized into two types: shore-based installations (i.e., quay-side protection) and shipboard systems.

Land-based system: Automatic fire suppression within range

Firefighting monitors designed for quay protection boast exceptional robustness. All FireDos firefighting monitors are constructed from seawater‑resistant aluminum alloy; their water‑ and media‑exposed components can withstand pressures of up to 16 bar, and their bearings feature a lubricated design. Moreover, low‑friction seals require only minimal operating force even after prolonged periods of inactivity.

Firefighting monitors are typically mounted on towers, enabling effective fire suppression even in headwinds and protecting the equipment from rising water levels. The FireDos firefighting monitor is designed to handle extinguishing agent flow rates ranging from 500 to 60,000 liters per minute. Thanks to its fluid‑optimized, elliptical‑flat design, the monitor exhibits extremely low pressure loss, allowing for extended reach. When integrated with automated fire‑suppression systems, this enhanced range enables remotely operated FireDos monitors to extinguish fires from a safe distance.

Shipboard Solution: Foam Rapid Fire Suppression

Deck-mounted fire monitors are primarily used to discharge low-expansion foam. The monitor nozzles are typically arranged along the ship’s centerline to enable rapid fire suppression and prevent fire spread. A design safety factor of 25% is recommended: the nozzle size and placement should ensure that, under windless conditions, the far‑end target can be covered at 75% of the maximum range with an adequate flow rate.

Foam fire-extinguishing proportioning mixer

Fire in the terminal area may require water or foam suppression. Fixed proportioning systems are installed in the sprinkler control room to supply foam for fire suppression. On cargo ships and tankers, fixed‑proportion foam‑mixing units are used both on deck and inside the holds. Such equipment should also be positioned at a sufficient distance from hazardous areas.

The FireDos proportional mixer is suitable for all types of foam concentrates, including those with high viscosity. Its fully mechanical design ensures exceptionally reliable operation, while eliminating the cleaning costs associated with premixed solutions and fire‑fighting foam handling—delivering double savings.

Fire Risks at Terminals and on Cargo Ships

Fuel or liquefied natural gas leak

 

During ship loading and unloading operations, leaked fuel or liquefied natural gas can become an ignition source. Such incidents are typically caused by improper operation of couplings and pumps.

Short circuit

Line faults or insulation defects may cause short circuits.

Overheating

When boilers or pumps in the engine room overheat, oil and fuel may ignite and burn.

 

Typical Applications

 

When selecting a fire protection system for maritime applications, consider the following factors:

The firefighting technology is robust enough to withstand adverse weather conditions.

Fire suppression must be carried out from a safe distance; therefore, flexible, remotely positionable automated fire‑extinguishing technologies are required.

System design shall adhere to the following guidelines:

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974

Fire Safety Systems Code (FSS)

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