ER Fire Suppression

medium 3 models total

Engine room fire suppression is a fixed system, CO2 flooding, water mist or foam, held in reserve to fight a fire the crew cannot approach directly, and its value depends on the space being sealed and evacuated correctly before release.

Read more — ER Fire Suppression explained ▾

What this equipment covers

Fixed engine room fire suppression is the system held in reserve for a fire too large or too dangerous for portable extinguishers, typically a fuel oil fire following a pipe failure onto a hot surface. Unlike portable equipment it floods the entire space with an extinguishing agent, which means it can only be used once the engine room is confirmed clear of personnel and sealed against ventilation. The choice of agent, whether CO2, water mist, or high-expansion foam, shapes the entire release procedure, evacuation drill and post-fire re-entry protocol.

Engine room fire suppression arrangement — Arrangement of a fixed engine room CO2 flooding system showing the CO2 cylinder room, piping to the engine room, ceiling distribution nozzles, a manual release station, a closable ventilation damper and the audible alarm.

Main components

CO2 flooding system

Banks of CO2 cylinders in a dedicated room, connected by pipework to nozzles distributed through the engine room, released by a manual pull station after an audible and visual pre-discharge alarm gives time to evacuate. Still the most common fixed system on cargo ships for its simplicity and long shelf life.

Water mist system

High-pressure pump set delivering fine water droplets through a network of nozzles, cooling the fire and displacing oxygen locally without the total-flooding evacuation risk of CO2, and increasingly fitted where crew re-entry time after discharge matters.

Foam system

Used mainly for bilge and tank top fires, foam concentrate mixed with water and air to blanket a pooled fuel fire, less common as the sole fixed protection but still found supplementing CO2 or water mist on some designs.

Regulations and class

SOLAS Ch. II-2 sets the requirement for fixed fire-fighting systems in machinery spaces of category A, including CO2 quantity calculated against the space's gross volume, pre-discharge alarm timing, and the requirement for a means to stop ventilation fans and close dampers before release. Class surveys check cylinder weight or pressure depending on agent, pipework integrity and alarm function annually, with a full discharge test or equivalent verification at less frequent intervals set by class rules.

Typical faults

Fault	Cause	Consequence
Low CO2 cylinder weight	Slow leakage through valve seats over years	Insufficient agent volume on release, fire not extinguished
Pre-discharge alarm failure	Wiring fault or battery backup depleted	Crew not warned before flooding, serious injury risk
Nozzle blockage	Paint overspray or corrosion during maintenance	Uneven agent distribution, fire pockets survive
Damper and ventilation interlock failure	Mechanical linkage seized or not tested	Fresh air continues feeding the fire after release

What to look for in a supplier

Volume calculation for the specific engine room geometry, not a generic per-cubic-metre shortcut
Pre-discharge alarm and time delay compliant with the ship's SOLAS category A space requirements
Accessible cylinder weighing or pressure-check arrangement that does not require full system isolation
Documented interlock testing procedure for ventilation shutdown and damper closure

Drill the evacuation and headcount sequence as seriously as the release itself, because a correctly sized CO2 system that gets released before every person is confirmed out of the engine room is no longer a safety system, it is the hazard.

Inspector Mode Show All 3 total

3 manufacturers · 3 models

Kidde (Carrier)

Marine CO2 System

ER/Cargo hold flooding · Emergency Equipment · CO2 fixed fire suppression

Type

CO2 Fixed Fire Suppression

Common Failures & Inspection Points

Pilot valve failure
Distribution piping corrosion
Alarm system fault
Ventilation damper not closing

Service: Test audible/visual alarms monthly. Annual system inspection per SOLAS/class. Coordinate ER ventilation fan stop.

Spare Parts: Kidde (Carrier): Batterie-Sätze und Starter-Komponenten an Bord. Lead time: 2-4 Wochen.

Strengths

Instantaneous discharge provides rapid fire knockdown in enclosed spaces
No water or chemical residue, preserving equipment and cargo
Proven track record from Kidde/Carrier with extensive marine installations
Integrated alarm and ventilation control for coordinated emergency response
Designed to meet SOLAS emergency fire‑extinguishing requirements

Weaknesses

CO2 is toxic; area must be evacuated before activation, limiting use in occupied spaces
Requires regular inspection of pilot valves and piping due to corrosion risk
System discharge can cause pressure shock to nearby equipment if not properly isolated
Ventilation damper failure can impede safe CO2 containment after release
Higher initial cost compared with water‑mist or foam alternatives

Typical Vessels: TankerBulk CarrierContainer ShipRo‑Ro VesselPassenger Ferry (engine room)

Certifications: SOLASUSCG Type ApprovalDNV Class Approval

Decision Guide: Choose if you need a fast, residue‑free extinguishing solution for enclosed machinery spaces and can ensure crew evacuation before discharge. Avoid if the protected area is frequently occupied, if local regulations restrict CO2 use, or if budget constraints favor lower‑cost alternatives.

Use Cases: Installed in engine rooms, generator compartments, fuel oil tanks, and other sealed machinery spaces where rapid fire suppression without water damage is critical. Often paired with ventilation shutdown systems to contain the CO2 cloud during an emergency.

Datasheet

Marioff (Carrier)

HI-FOG Marine

ER protection, machinery spaces · Emergency Equipment · high-pressure water mist fire suppression

Type

Water Mist Fire Suppression

Common Failures & Inspection Points

Nozzle blockage from water quality
HP pump failure
Section valve malfunction
Detection system false alarm

Service: HI-FOG water mist — lower water damage than sprinkler. Nozzle inspection annually. HP pump test quarterly.

Spare Parts: Marioff (Carrier): Batterie-Sätze und Starter-Komponenten an Bord. Lead time: 2-4 Wochen.

Strengths

Produces fine mist that cools and smothers fire with far less water than conventional sprinklers, reducing collateral damage
Fast response time and high heat absorption efficiency for Class A and B fires in machinery spaces
Compact installation footprint, suitable for confined or retro‑fit areas on board
Environmentally benign – uses only clean water, no chemicals or halons
Approved under SOLAS Chapter II‑2, meeting IMO type‑approval requirements

Weaknesses

Requires high-quality, low‑particulate water; nozzle blockage can occur if water quality is poor
High‑pressure pump adds complexity and demands regular quarterly testing and maintenance
Initial capital cost higher than traditional sprinkler systems
Section valve and detection system false alarms have been reported in service notes
Requires trained personnel for annual nozzle inspection and pump servicing

Typical Vessels: Passenger ships / ferriesCruise linersOffshore supply vesselsContainer ships (engine‑room protection)Tankers (machinery spaces, accommodation decks)

Certifications: IMO Type Approval (SOLAS Chapter II‑2)DNV GL approvalABS approval

Decision Guide: Choose if you need rapid fire suppression with minimal water damage, have reliable high‑quality water supply and can commit to regular pump/nozzle maintenance. Avoid if water quality is questionable, maintenance resources are limited, or budget constraints preclude the higher upfront cost.

Use Cases: Typically installed in engine rooms, machinery spaces, cargo holds of passenger vessels, galley areas, and accommodation decks where space is tight and water damage must be kept low. Frequently used on offshore platforms and high‑value vessels that require compliance with SOLAS fire‑safety standards.

Datasheet

Unitor (Wilhelmsen)

CO2 Fixed Fire System

ER total flooding · Emergency Equipment · CO2 fixed fire suppression

Type

CO2 Fixed Fire Suppression

Common Failures & Inspection Points

Pilot cylinder pressure loss
Distribution valve stuck
Cable pull release jam
CO2 bottle weight loss from leak

Service: SOLAS annual inspection. Weigh CO2 bottles every 2 years. Test release cables annually. Crew drill every 3 months.

Spare Parts: Unitor (Wilhelmsen): Batterie-Sätze und Starter-Komponenten an Bord. Lead time: 2-4 Wochen.

Strengths

Rapid discharge of CO2 provides fast fire knock‑down in enclosed spaces
No water or chemical residue, protecting equipment and cargo
Integrated pilot cylinder and distribution valve allow automatic activation from ship's detection system
Meets SOLAS requirements for mandatory fire protection on many vessel types
Relatively low routine maintenance – periodic weight checks and cable release tests

Weaknesses

Effective only in sealed, unoccupied compartments; personnel must be evacuated before discharge
Risk of CO2 leakage leading to bottle weight loss or pilot‑cylinder pressure drop (known failure mode)
Manual cable‑pull release can jam if not inspected regularly
Not suitable for spaces where oxygen‑sensitive cargo is present
Environmental concerns over greenhouse‑gas emissions

Typical Vessels: Oil tankerChemical tankerBulk carrierContainer ship (engine room protection)Offshore supply vessel

Decision Guide: Choose if you need a proven, residue‑free fire suppression solution for sealed machinery or cargo spaces and must comply with SOLAS fire‑protection mandates. Avoid if the protected area is frequently occupied, requires water‑based extinguishing, or if you prefer a system with fewer manual release components.

Use Cases: Installed in engine rooms, fuel oil tanks, cargo holds of tankers, and other enclosed compartments where rapid CO2 flooding can suppress flammable liquid fires without damaging equipment or cargo.

Datasheet