Survitec secures contract for nitrogen inert gas systems

March 28, 2023

Maritime Protection, a brand of global Survival Technology solutions provider Survitec, has secured an order for a set of nitrogen systems for installation on an LNG-powered cruise ship.

The company, which has hailed the contract as significant, has welcomed the opportunity to support the cruise industry with its transition to alternative fuels, in particular, to offer expertise on the implementation of IG (inert gas) systems as an important safety measure.

Mark Clegg, Managing Director, Fire Systems, Survitec, said: “This order signals Survitec as a trusted partner to the cruise industry. While our Inert Gas (IG) systems have already gained widespread use in other ship types, the passenger ship sector has only recently begun to explore the technology. From our standpoint, a cruise ship is no different from any other vessel. Nevertheless, this latest contract win allows us to expand our market, and we anticipate more orders as more passenger vessels shift towards cleaner fuels.”

The scope of supply is for two nitrogen generators, feed-air compressors, valves, and control cabinets. Scheduled for delivery in 2025, the 51,950gt newbuild is the first cruise ship for this Japanese owner to be built in Europe. There is an option for a second vessel.

About ten LNG-fuelled cruise ships are currently in operation, with a further 25 set to join the global fleet over the next five years. Engines operating on LNG, ammonia, and methanol, in particular, require an N2 system for safety reasons.

Rune Moseidjord, Sales Manager, Maritime Protection, explained. “Nitrogen is used to purge the fuel gas system before and after engine start-up or when any maintenance work is carried out. It creates a safer, more stable environment.

“It is crucial for any passenger ship going down the alternative fuel route to have a low maintenance, reliable, affordable N2 system. The benefit of our IG systems is that each one is engineered to order, designed to meet the requirements of each individual ship.”

Maritime Protection’s nitrogen systems are easy to install and fully automatic with PLC control. Furthermore, the system can be supported by the brand’s remote assistance offer, which enables support services, such as technical support and troubleshooting, to be delivered remotely.

Commenting on the cruise sector’s wide acceptance of LNG bunkering, David Welch, Shipyard Sales Manager (Global Cruise), Survitec, said: “We’re seeing an increase in passenger ship operators specifying vessels with engines capable of running on LNG. The sector is really pushing the green agenda as some destinations are now limiting the size and number of ships burning heavy fuel oil, but shipowners must consider the fire risk.

“The consequence of a fire from these alternative fuels can be substantial. This requires a higher focus on fire prevention through the use of inert gas systems and very early detection through the monitoring of gas pressures and temperatures,” he said.

“Our Head Start initiative was designed with this in mind: we support ship owners and work with them from first designs to scope their requirements and design a total fire protection and safety management package. We can help them to set up their vessel for a lifetime of safety at sea.”

Survitec also supplies nitrogen IG systems to cruise and ropax ferries running on LNG as a marine fuel, having recently secured orders from shipyards in Poland and Turkey.

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