Marine Industry

Introduction

Working in the marine sector is hazardous and challenging, with wide ranging risks to deal with, including severe weather, to working within restricted spaces, extreme temperatures, high humidity and dirty conditions.

The use of gas detectors is often compulsory: SOLAS regulations XI-1/7 requires that vessels have at least one portable gas monitor on board for oxygen and flammable gas detection. As a minimum it should measure concentrations of oxygen (O2), flammable gases or vapours, hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and carbon monoxide (CO) prior to entry into enclosed/confined spaces.

Applications

Shipyard owners and contractors

Ship owner and chandlers

Coast Guard/Navy

Offshore rigs

Custom inspectors

Ferries

Gas Hazards in Marine Industry

Marine vessels can present multiple gas hazards, which makes gas detection and monitoring crucial. The table below shows some examples of such vessels and applications.

Vessel Type

Application

FPSO (Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading)

Flammable gas and hydrogen sulphide detection.
Flammable gas leak detection in pump rooms.
Inerted tanks or voids, therefore oxygen detectors are necessary in these confined space environments and where inerting gases are stored.
Hydrocarbon and oxygen monitoring during the purging of tanks (from %Volume to %LEL).
The fixed gas sampling system is dedicated to sequential gas monitoring in tanks, void spaces, pump room or houses adjacent to cargo storage tanks and handling systems. Up to 48 channels can be connected to the sampling system.

Tankers

As above

Ferries

CO and NOx accumulation from vehicle exhausts.

Submarines

Hydrogen detection in battery rooms. CO2 leaks from air conditioning systems.

General

CO and NOx detection in engine rooms.
H2S and O2 depletion in bilges, arising from the on-board sewage treatment plant.
Vessels carrying food produce, such as grain, will sometimes install H2S detectors.

Cargo Tanks

Vapour emission control systems are used to analyse waste vapour gas for oxygen gas content. The system includes a pressure transmitter to monitor the pressure on the waste vapour line.

Products for Marine Industry

Portable Monitors

Portable 4-in-1 gas detector with new sensor technologies

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Gas Pro

A multi gas detector offering 5 gas support as well as a dedicated pre-entry check mode and optional pump feature

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Gas-Pro TK

Ideal for flammable gas detection at any concentration

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T4x

Zone 0 approved personal protection solution for detecting the four most common gas hazards. Exclusively with long-life O2 and MPS™ sensor technologies.

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Fixed Monitors

SMART S-MS MED

SIL-2 MED gas detector for marine applications.

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Control Panels

Multiscan++MED

MED approved SIL-2 control panel for marine applications

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Marine Standards

Products installed on any marine vessel must comply with internationally recognized regulations. The international standards that apply to a vessel depend upon where it is registered.

Examples of countries and relevant standards are:

EU (European Union) countries: MED (Marine Equipment Directive 96/98/EC).
North America: US Coast Guard (USCG) regulations.
International: SOLAS (Safety of Life At Sea) regulations provide the minimum requirements, however individual countries will require compliance with the standards of their chosen marine insurance body (e.g. BV, DNV etc).

It is essential that products sold for use on a vessel comply with the standards relevant to the country in which the ship is registered. For example, products fitted to a European-registered vessel undergoing a re-fit in Singapore must comply with the European MED directive.

Industry Insights

CASE STUDY

Detecting Hydrogen Fluoride in a Singapore Refinery

The Singapore refinery has been operating for over 50 years and prides itself as being the largest refinery in Southeast Asia. With two world class manufacturing plants in Singapore’s offshore area, this refinery is a major player in the energy and petrochemical sectors. The plant in Singapore produces fuel for retail, lubricants, aviation, marine and bitumen.

BLOG

An Introduction to the Marine Industry

The marine sector is a global industry and is wide ranging in terms of its applications and different types of vessels including FPSO vessels, ferries and submarines.

WHITEPAPER

Keeping You Safe At Sea

Keeping teams in the marine industry safe at sea is something Crowcon are extremely passionate about. This paper is aimed at exploring the dangers and challenges individuals face, and offers resources and solutions that can safeguard crews in this sector from the unpredictability of working upon the waves.