New guide: Get a strong start with maritime fire testing
Published: 2. July 2026What classification does your product need? How can you develop it quickly and cost-effectively? And what is the best order to tackle the process? Download DBI's new free guide for practical advice on how to achieve the best results with your maritime fire testing.
A successful fire test can provide the basis for classifying your product and open the door to the maritime market. The test documents your product's fire performance, which can be used to obtain approval from the relevant flag state authorities or classification societies – and subsequently serve as documentation for shipyards.
But what is the most efficient path from product development to fire testing, certification, and market access? DBI has created a short guide that you can download free of charge.
»First step is to contact a certification body that can clarify the requirements your product must meet to gain approval and certification«
Preparing for the fire test
There are many factors to consider when selecting a test laboratory and preparing for a fire test.
”The first step is to contact a certification body that can clarify the requirements your product must meet to gain approval and certification. This ensures that the fire tests carried out are the ones relevant to the product's intended application,” says Wisam Elias Neaman, MSc in Engineering and engineer in DBI's Fire Testing Department, and continues:
”It is important to determine which classification the product needs to achieve, and which field of application it must be approved for. The requirements for maritime fire testing depend on factors such as the function of the product, the type of vessel, and its location on board.”
Product development
When choosing a testing institute, it is not just about finding one that can perform the fire test itself. It is equally important to find a partner who can support the entire process – from product development and testing strategy to the final classification test.
”At DBI, we offer a range of tools that can provide valuable insights into a product's fire performance already during the development phase. For example, we conduct indicative small-scale tests that allow manufacturers to evaluate different material combinations and design variants which help them optimise the product before investing in a full-scale classification test,” says Wisam Elias Neaman, adding:
”This approach can reduce development costs and also shorten the product's time to market.”
