Onboard fire safety is a critical issue for maritime operations, particularly concerning fire divisions in ships. These divisions, whether insulated or not, often have essential structures like doors, ducts, pipes, and cables passing through them, creating potential vulnerabilities. Many decks and bulkheads feature A-0 division ratings, requiring one hour of fire protection but without insulation—essentially, they consist of bare steel plates beneath panel finishes. Conversely, certain areas, especially where cables and pipes penetrate these divisions, demand insulation to achieve A-60 standards, which necessitate 60 minutes of protection against hot gases, smoke, and temperatures reaching 140°C (284°F). The need for A-60 ratings typically drives the installation of additional insulation around penetration points, increasing costs, labor, and inspection time.
In response to these challenges, several shipyards, including Meyer Werft, Fincantieri, and Ulstein Verft, collaborated with STI Marine to alleviate the burdens related to added insulation. During the pandemic, the engineering team at STI Marine developed the Cable Transits EZ-Path MDM400, a product designed for ease of installation without restrictions. This innovative solution allows for the same transit to be utilized on both A-0 and A-60 divisions, streamlining the installation process and reducing expenses.
The new EZ-Path product line, which completed its development by the end of 2022, is currently being installed on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima-class ships through Fincantieri. These cable transits facilitate safe passage for cables through bulkheads and decks classified as fire barriers. Depending on the specific transit and the diameter of the cables, these self-sealing EZ-Path systems can accommodate a single cable or support thousands of cables.
For purchasing and logistics teams, the adoption of the MDM400 means simplified calculations and transportation, as only one series of cable transit is necessary. Installation teams benefit significantly as well; minimal training is required, and there’s no time needed to determine whether a division is classified as A-0 or A-60. This efficiency empowers cable-pulling crews to work quickly and effectively, as they can pull cables through the transits without needing to apply sealant or utilize mechanical fixings to secure the transit after installation.
Overall, the introduction of the EZ-Path MDM400 represents a significant advancement in maritime fire safety practices, offering a practical solution that enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and maintains compliance with stringent fire protection standards.
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