Minimax extends methanol-ready fire protection for marine bilge applications
Iain Hoey
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Minimax targets methanol engine room risks
Minimax has adapted its Minifog marine XP high-pressure water mist extinguishing system for methanol-fuelled ship engines, with a focus on bilge fire risks in engine rooms.
The company announced the further development from Bad Oldesloe on 2 December 2025.
According to Minimax, the system can now be applied to both pure methanol engines and dual-fuel propulsion arrangements.
The bilge area beneath engine room machinery is identified as a location where flammable liquids can collect and create rapid fire spread.
Minimax states that the updated Minifog marine XP configuration is intended to address new requirements for bilge protection when methanol is used as a marine fuel.
Testing Minifog marine XP against methanol fires
Minimax reports that the methanol-focused version of Minifog marine XP has undergone testing at the company’s in-house fire research centre.
The manufacturer carried out guideline-compliant trials using a standardised replica of an engine room space with methanol fuel present.
Various nozzle configurations were evaluated to understand their performance when controlling and extinguishing real methanol pool fires.
Each test used a 30-second pre-burn period followed by a requirement to extinguish the fire completely within 15 minutes.
Minimax states that the fire tests followed International Maritime Organization (IMO) circular MSC.1/Circ. 1165 for high-pressure water mist systems.
The effectiveness of the Minifog marine XP configuration against methanol fires has been confirmed by Lloyd’s Register, according to the company.
According to Minimax, methanol is considered a future marine fuel option because it produces fewer emissions than diesel or heavy fuel oil.
From a fire protection perspective, the company notes that methanol burns with an almost invisible flame, produces no smoke and has a low flash point that can support rapid fire development.
Foam-based fire protection for bilge areas
Minifog marine XP for methanol applications is supplied with an associated fluorine-free foam concentrate for use in machinery space and bilge protection.
Minimax states that this foam concentrate is less harmful to the environment and aligned with current regulatory expectations on fluorinated substances.
Otto Stoehr, Foam Project Manager, Minimax Fire Solutions International GmbH, linked the system design to the company’s global support capability.
Otto Stoehr, Foam Project Manager, Minimax Fire Solutions International GmbH, said: “Minimax Minifog marine XP fights methanol fires safely and completely.
“In combination with our global service network, you can rely on reliable, sustainable, and high-quality fire protection from the market leader.”
Mathias-Christian Herrmann, Head of Competence Center Marine, Minimax Fire Solutions International GmbH, highlighted the emphasis on performance under regulatory test conditions.
Mathias-Christian Herrmann, Head of Competence Center Marine, Minimax Fire Solutions International GmbH, explained: “Our customers need solutions that work in an emergency case.
“That’s why we test according to international regulations and even go a step further with our systems.
“Research and development are part of our DNA.”
Dr Matthias Prall, Extinguishing System Manager, Minimax GmbH, focused on the behaviour of foam when applied to methanol fires.
Dr Matthias Prall, Extinguishing System Manager, Minimax GmbH, said: “The quality of the foam is crucial.
“In previous tests, we were able to show that water mist is not effective for extinguishing fires in this case.
“We need to form a blanket of foam on the burning material that covers it and then separates it from the oxygen in the air.
“The foam must be able to withstand the aggressive medium.
“Our system has been tested and proven to do this reliably.”
Minimax states that the validated performance of Minifog marine XP in these tests supports its use for bilge protection on methanol engine and dual-fuel ships.
Implications for methanol marine engine safety planning
Methanol-ready high-pressure water mist systems with confirmed performance in bilge areas are directly relevant for marine and shipping fire officers responsible for engine room risk control.
The detailed test procedure, including pre-burn duration and extinguishing time, provides technical context for fire engineering consultants and mechanical and electrical engineers evaluating methanol machinery space solutions.
Information on compliance with International Maritime Organization circular MSC.1/Circ. 1165 gives standards and certification bodies, including organisations in roles similar to Lloyd’s Register, a reference point when reviewing methanol-capable systems.
The use of fluorine-free foam concentrate in Minifog marine XP may inform decisions by equipment specifiers, fire-protection contractors and system installers working on bilge protection for methanol and dual-fuel engines.
By outlining how Minifog marine XP is configured for methanol engines and bilge areas, Minimax provides data for risk assessors and facility managers in marine operations considering future fuel choices and associated fire protection measures.