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Fire testing of surface materials and deck coverings for the maritime industry

Surface materials and primary deck coverings used on ships must limit flame spread across exposed surfaces during fire exposure. Surface flammability testing is part of the reaction-to-fire requirements for materials used in marine applications.

DBI performs surface flammability testing of marine surface materials and primary deck coverings according to IMO fire test procedures.

The testing evaluates how exposed surfaces contribute to flame spread under controlled fire conditions.

Container ship sailing through a port at sunset surrounded by cranes and harbour facilities.

Facts

Relevant standard:

  • IMO FTP Code Part 5 – Surface flammability
  • IMO FTP Code Part 2 – Smoke and toxicity (when required)

Typical applications:

  • Wall and ceiling surface materials
  • Primary deck coverings
  • Coatings, laminates and films

Documentation:

  • Accredited fire test reports
  • Technical assessments

Testing surface flammability of marine materials

Surface flammability testing evaluates how fire spreads across exposed material surfaces during fire exposure. The testing focuses on the surface behaviour of the material itself rather than the fire resistance of the underlying construction.

The evaluation documents:

  • How quickly and far flames spread across the surface
  • Whether the material contributes significantly to fire growth
  • How the surface behaves during fire exposure

The purpose is to document whether exposed surfaces contribute to flame spread in marine interiors.

Surface materials and primary deck coverings

The testing can include coatings, laminates, films, adhesives and other exposed surface materials used in marine interiors.


A primary deck covering is the first layer placed directly on top of the ships steel deck, and is evaluated according to the same test principles.


Depending on the test result, or specific product requirements from SOLAS, additional smoke and toxicity evaluations is required.

DBI performs accredited testing and documentation of marine surface materials.
One of DBI furnaces after a fire test, where a technican is pouring water on the burning test item.

See some of our fire test furnaces in this video

Our 3,000 square meter headquarters near Copenhagen 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, with items as high as 4.48 meters.

Watch the video of some of our fire testing facilities.

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


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