Survitec launches marine foam system reducing installation and service costs
Iain Hoey
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Survitec introduces high-expansion foam system for marine fire safety
Survitec has launched its next-generation high-expansion foam fire suppression system, designed to deliver greater foam output at lower operating pressures.
According to the company, the new system reduces both installation and through-life costs for shipyards and shipowners.
The development centres on a redesigned generator that produces higher volumes of foam at significantly lower feed pressures.
Survitec said this advancement addresses one of the main constraints in foam system performance, where high pump and water pressure demands have traditionally increased both equipment and operational costs.
Lower pressure improves cost efficiency
Maciej Nieścioruk, Product Manager for Foam and Clean Agent Systems at Survitec, said: “Lowering pressure was our number one objective.”
“It also allows us to reduce the load on pumps and other supporting components, lowering the total cost of ownership.”
He explained that the team achieved the reduction by optimising nozzle alignment, adding new moving parts to create rotary momentum, and improving airflow through the system.
Nieścioruk said: “The performance of the new generator means fewer units are required to produce the same volume of foam.”
“That reduction translates into tangible benefits in terms of reducing capital and installation costs.
“When combined with the lower pressure demands, this gives shipowners a system that is lighter, more efficient, and easier to service, without compromising fire safety.”
Validation and system design features
Survitec confirmed that validation testing was completed in partnership with DNV.
Results showed stable expansion ratios and reliable discharge performance across system configurations.
The new generator includes several design improvements to increase efficiency and minimise overall size.
The optimised nozzle alignment eliminates blind spots within the generator net to maximise foam output.
A rotary element enhances discharge efficiency, while a re-engineered impeller draws in more air and distributes the foam solution more evenly.
According to Survitec, this combination enables higher and more consistent expansion at reduced pressure.
Flexible deployment across vessel types
The company said the system can be used as a total flooding solution for machinery spaces on gas carriers and tankers, as well as for RORO spaces on Pure Car Carriers (PCCs).
It supports both remote and manual deployment at the skid.
Survitec added that the system is fluorine-free by design, aligning with upcoming environmental regulations.
Replacement foam concentrates are available globally through the company’s service network.
Nieścioruk said: “We work alongside shipyards and owners to verify pump and pipework compatibility, and manage approvals with class to safeguard both compliance and operational integrity.”
Availability at Kormarine 2025
Survitec will present the high-expansion foam system at Kormarine, taking place in Busan, Korea, from 21–24 October 2025.
The company will exhibit at stand 1G45 in Center 1.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The introduction of Survitec’s high-expansion foam system holds relevance for shipyard engineers, marine fire officers and vessel operators responsible for onboard fire suppression infrastructure.
By operating at lower pressures, the system can reduce pump requirements and simplify installation, which may help engineers meet performance specifications with smaller and more efficient layouts.
For shipowners and operators, the DNV validation provides assurance of compliance and reliability for machinery and RORO spaces on tankers and carriers.
The fluorine-free formulation also supports future compliance with environmental regulations governing foam concentrates.
The system’s flexibility for both remote and manual activation makes it applicable to a range of vessel types where total flooding protection is required.