MCI expands its exports footprint in Asia

The contract for the supply of A60 fire dampers for seven new Windflex 27 Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) being built in Singapore, is 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. 

“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.”

Speedy supply

Mr Scott said that BSB is a well-established manufacturer of A60 fire dampers and offers a remarkable turnaround of orders. 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.

A60 fire dampers are a mandatory requirement on all SOLAS-compliant vessels over 500 gross tonnes, but are also fitted on smaller vessels, including OSVs and yachts, which have ventilation air ducts running through fire-resistant bulkheads.

Mr Scott said that 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.

A key feature of BSB fire dampers is their ability to contain a fire quickly.

They 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.

When excessive heat or smoke is detected they snap shut to cut the flow of air and help prevent the spread of the fire.

They also incorporate a fail-safe feature, closing the dampers in the event of a power failure.