Bilge Pump (Main + Emergency)
critical
IMO Required
2 models total
SOLAS-required bilge pumping capability; main and emergency
4000h
Service Interval
5 yr
Class Survey
20 yr
Typical Lifetime
Typical Manufacturers
Shinko
IMO
1 manufacturers · 2 models
Shinko
2
SVA 100M
30 m3/h
· 7.5 kW
· Bilge water
· reciprocating bilge pump
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Valve plate wear
- Suction valve leakage
- Piston ring wear
- Priming issues
Service: Reciprocating pump; overhaul valve plates every 4000 h.
Spare Parts: Shinko: Ersatzteile per Hersteller-Ersatzteilliste. Mechanische Dichtungen und Laufräder an Bord vorhalten. Lead time: 2-6 Wochen je nach Hersteller.
Strengths
- High suction lift suitable for deep bilge compartments
- Dual main + emergency capability reduces equipment count
- Simple mechanical design allows on‑board overhaul (valve plates every 4000 h)
- Good tolerance to solids and oil‑water emulsions
- Proven reliability in harsh marine environments
Weaknesses
- Valve plate and piston ring wear require scheduled maintenance
- Potential suction valve leakage if seals are not inspected regularly
- Priming can be problematic after long shutdowns
- Bulkier and heavier than comparable centrifugal bilge pumps
- Limited maximum flow compared with high‑capacity centrifugal units
Typical Vessels:
TankerBulk CarrierContainer ShipOffshore Supply VesselPassenger FerryFishing Vessel
Decision Guide: Choose if you need a robust, high‑lift pump that can serve both normal and emergency bilge duties in one package and you have the capability for periodic mechanical overhauls. Avoid if space is at a premium, you require very high flow rates, or you prefer low‑maintenance centrifugal solutions.
Use Cases: Installed in bilge compartments to remove water, oil‑water mixtures, and debris; also used for dewatering ballast tanks, emergency drainage of flooded spaces, and as a backup pump for critical watertight systems on various commercial vessels.
EVZ 50M
15 m3/h
· 3.7 kW
· Bilge water
· electric diaphragm bilge pump
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Diaphragm failure
- Check valve malfunction
- Suction air leak
Service: Emergency bilge pump; test monthly per SOLAS requirements.
Spare Parts: Shinko: Ersatzteile per Hersteller-Ersatzteilliste. Mechanische Dichtungen und Laufräder an Bord vorhalten. Lead time: 2-6 Wochen je nach Hersteller.
Strengths
- Compact, low‑profile installation suitable for confined engine‑room spaces
- Self‑priming design eliminates need for external priming equipment
- Low power draw meets SOLAS requirements for emergency systems
- Built‑in check valve provides automatic back‑flow protection
- Simple monthly test procedure required by SOLAS
Weaknesses
- Diaphragm wear can lead to premature failure if not inspected regularly
- Check valve may stick, reducing reliability in prolonged use
- Suction air leaks are common if seals are not maintained
- Limited flow capacity compared with larger centrifugal bilge pumps
- Depends on shipboard electrical supply; no manual hand‑pump backup
Typical Vessels:
Bulk CarrierContainer ShipTankerPassenger FerryOffshore Supply Vessel
Decision Guide: Choose if you need a compact, low‑power emergency pump that meets SOLAS monthly‑test requirements and can be installed in tight spaces. Avoid if the vessel requires high‑capacity bilge pumping or prefers a fully mechanical (hand‑pump) backup to eliminate reliance on diaphragms and electric power.
Use Cases: Installed as the dedicated emergency bilge pump in engine rooms, cargo holds, and accommodation spaces; activated when the primary centrifugal bilge system fails or during flooding events to quickly remove water while complying with SOLAS testing intervals.