Marine insulation is a simple yet significant component of any vessel, whether a yacht, commercial ship or naval vehicle. Insulation reduces the transfer of thermal heat, vibration and noise in and around the structure. Marine insulation can be found in the hull, engine compartment, decks and many other spaces. Custom marine insulation can be manufactured from foam, fiberglass, elastomeric and metal products.
The resurgence in oil exploration and subsequent growth of deep-sea drilling activity has led to increased demand for marine insulation. Underwater, thermal insulation protects pipelines from corrosion and maintains a constant flow temperature while keeping foreign particles out. Insulation also minimises vibrations from engines and other equipment that can cause structural damage and wear.
For marine equipment and habitability environments, acoustic insulation is critical for crew comfort and safety. Noise reduction is mainly achieved by reducing the transmission of sound through structural barriers like bulkheads.
In addition to thermal and acoustic insulation, fire resistance is a major consideration for any marine vessel. Drilling rigs, commercial ships and navy vessels often operate far from a safe land-based evacuation point in case of fire outbreak. This means that they must be insulated with non-combustible materials to ensure the safety of the crew and passengers in the event of an emergency.