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Maritime fire testing

Fire testing for the maritime sector

From insulation and bulkheads to furniture, surface materials and ventilation ducts — DBI tests maritime materials and components to international standards, at every scale. Our accredited laboratories deliver the documentation you need for classification societies, flag-state authorities and shipyard approvals.

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Internationally recognized fire testing with DBI

Maritime fire testing demands different materials, standards and approval processes — and the consequences of getting it wrong are measured in lives at sea.

DBI - The Danish Institute of Fire and Security Technology - is one of Europe’s most modern and high-tech institutes for all aspects of fire safety and security. We work globally with shipyards, manufacturers, naval architects and classification societies and our test reports are recognized worldwide by classification societies, Notified Bodies, US Coast Guard, the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping and the Russian River Register.

With over 350 employees and decades of experience in testing maritime materials and components, we help customers to reduce the risk of failed tests and shorten time to approval.

We can test (almost) anything

We conduct a wide range of accredited fire tests on materials, components, and structures for the maritime sector. For example, we test the following products to assist in the product development phase and perform classification testing:

Pipes & penetrations

Fire testing of pipe penetrations, cable transits and service openings in fire-rated divisions. Our tests verify that penetration seals maintain the fire resistance of bulkheads and decks as required by IMO and class rules.

Pipes & penetrations

Doors, shutters & windows

Fire resistance testing of marine doors, shutters and windows. We test to IMO FTP Code and relevant classification standards, delivering the documentation needed for type approval and vessel certification.

Doors, shutters & windows

Bulkheads & decks

Fire resistance testing of bulkhead and deck constructions, including A-class and B-class divisions. Our tests document structural fire performance under realistic maritime conditions — supporting new-build projects and retrofit approvals.

Bulkheads & decks

Insulation materials

Non-combustibility and fire performance testing of insulation materials used in ships and offshore units. We test to IMO FTP Code and relevant classification standards, helping manufacturers document compliance for the maritime market.

Insulation materials

Surface materials & deck coverings

Reaction-to-fire testing of surface linings, floor coverings, paints and coatings for maritime use. Our tests classify materials according to IMO FTP Code requirements — giving you clear documentation for vessel specification and class approval.

Surface materials & deck coverings

Furniture, textiles & bedding components

Fire testing of furniture, mattresses, curtains, bedding and other textiles used on board ships and offshore installations. We test ignitability, flame spread and heat release to IMO FTP Code and relevant classification standards.

Furniture, textiles & bedding components

Fire test of of a construction in DBI’s testing facilities.

Facilities and furnaces

Our 3000 square meter headquarter, located only 20 minutes away from Copenhagen airport, houses a modern fire laboratory with various furnaces for almost all types of fire tests.

This makes it possible for us to conduct (almost) all types of fire tests — from small scale to full scale — including items up to 4.48 meters high.

Our fire testing experts can help you throughout the entire process, from product development to classification and certification.

Watch the video of some of our furnaces and fire testing facilities.

Resistance to fire

In our Resistance-to-Fire laboratory, we have a vertical furnace and 3 combi-furnaces, including one large multi-purpose furnace with a maximum power of 10 megawatts. We offer testing in the following sizes:

Development tests:

500 x 500 mm test pieces, vertical and horizontal: ISO 834 and Hydrocarbon
Test samples up to 1.5 x 1.5 m, vertical and horizontal: ISO 834

Classification tests – both ISO834 and Hydrocarbon fire curves:

Vertically up to 3.2 x 4.5 m or 5.5 x 3.0 m
Horizontally up to 4.0 x 5.5 m

When testing in accordance with the Hydrocarbon fire curve ISO 20902- 1:2018, which simulates oil fires on, for example an oil rig, products can be used for both marine and offshore structures

Reaction to fire

In our Reaction-to-Fire Laboratory, we test materials for the maritime sector, including testing of Flame Spread, Non-combustibility, Ignitability, Heat Release, Calorific Potential and Smoke & Toxicity.

DBI employee operating a Mini-SBI furnace for small-scale fire testing.

Faster to market with small-scale fire testing

Not every question requires a full-scale test. DBI’s small-scale fire testing services — including our Electrical Furnace and Mini-SBI concept — let you screen materials, compare options and optimise designs before committing to costly classification tests.

Ideal for early-stage product development of maritime materials and components.

Cruise ship sailing through a fjord surrounded by mist and mountains.

Certification of maritime equipment (MED & MER)

Our subsidiary, DBI Certification A/S, is a ‘Notified Body’ providing independent product certification for maritime fire safety equipment. The certification is recognised by classification societies and flag-state authorities worldwide, giving your products credible, documented market access.

Standards and standardisations

DBI is involved in Danish , European and international standardization work. Through these forums we influence standards concerning fire protection and fire extinguishing.

Danish Standards

Representatives from DBI sit on several standardization committees under Danish Standards (DS) . We influence developments concerning reaction and resistance to fire, and automatic fire extinguishing systems.

European Standards

DBI is represented in a number of committees under the "Comité Européen De Normalization" (CEN), where work is being carried out to introduce common standards in the European Union. Many are already applied and more are on their way.

International Standards

DBI is also involved in international standardization work, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO) , where guidelines, for fire requirements applicable to ships and their interior, are set.

Let’s get in touch

Let us help you navigate maritime fire testing

Mark works closely with our fire testing engineers within the maritime sector, and he will be happy to assist you with your enquiry and connect you with the right team.

Mark Lerche

International Sales Manager

Details

+45 31 69 84 94

mle@dbigroup.dk

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Mark is looking forward to hearing from you

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Location

Our headquarters and test facilities are centrally located in Copenhagen, Denmark – close to the motorway and only a 15-minute drive from Copenhagen Airport.

Address: Jernholmen 12, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark

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