Leading Dorset-based maritime equipment specialist Marine Components International (MCI) is growing its exports footprint in Asia after winning a new deal to supply A60 fire dampers for seven new Windflex 27 Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) being built in Singapore.
Poole-headquartered MCI operates the global rights to distribute fire dampers made by London based manufacturer BSB. MCI won the contract with the Singapore shipyard to supply the new-build vessels in partnership with Australian HVAC specialist Marine Airflow International based in Queensland.
MCI managing director Andy Scott said MCI’s knowledge of complex marine equipment regulations helped it win the work following an earlier deal it won with the same shipyard in 2020. The vessels will operate in the European offshore wind sector.
“We are delighted to win repeat business with this shipbuilder and grow MCI’s operations in Singapore and the offshore renewables and energy sectors,” he said, “The MCI team has extensive experience of the regulatory environment and we are able to guide the customer explaining how the A60 range carries all the major international certifications. These include approvals from the US Coast Guard (USGC) Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) and the European Marine Directive (MED). We showed with our first deal that the regulations are complex and the customer wants to maintain that clarity on how and what certifications applied.”
Andy said another key factor in winning repeat orders with the shipyard is BSB and MCI’s speed of supply.
“BSB is a well-established manufacturer of A60 fire dampers and offers a remarkable turnaround of orders,” he said. “This is typically within 10 days for custom items, in an industry that usually takes between five to eight weeks. This was a big factor in the success of the first deal and has led to this new agreement with the same customer for a larger number of vessels.”
Mr Scott said fire dampers are a vital product as A60 fire dampers are a mandatory requirement on all SOLAS-compliant vessels over 500 gross tons, but are also fitted on smaller vessels, including OSVs and yachts, which have ventilation air ducts running through fire-resistant bulkheads. He said for OSVs and yacht builders, the A60 type are ideal as they automatically meet Lloyds Register Approval to IMO Fire Test Procedures Code, Annex 1 Part 3 for Class AO, A15, A30 and A60 division bulkheads and decks.
Mr Scott said a key feature of BSB fire dampers is their ability to contain a fire quickly.
“The BSB fire dampers are extremely well made and consist of a set of steel blades within a steel frame and fit in ventilation or air-conditioning ducts where they pass through major bulkheads,” he said. “When excessive heat or smoke is detected they snap shut to cut the flow of air and help prevent the spread of the fire. BSB’s A60 fire dampers are available in either circular or rectangular models with duct sizes ranging from 100mm to 1000mm for standard items. Custom orders are also readily available with a quick turnaround. Each unit is fitted with an IP54 rated electric actuator with a high level of protection against dust or water ingress. Integral to the actuator is a thermal fuse which activates the damper when the temperature reaches 72 degrees C or receives a closure signal from the smoke detection system. The unit also incorporates a fail-safe feature, closing the dampers in the event of a power failure. The hollow metal blades are aerofoil in section, allowing better airflow when the ventilation is running, but which fishtail into an interlocking shutter when facing a fire. The blades expand to a tighter fit as the temperature rises and are also side sealed against smoke. A BSB damper system can be operated strategically if needed from a central fire control panel to assist in an evacuation.”
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