Rafnar Constructed RIBS Using MAFI equipment

January 20, 2021

Brad Marsden

Director - Marine Air Flow International

35 Years Experience in the Marine Industry

Marine Airflow's Equipment On Polar Expedition RIBS

Rafnar UK has recently supplied two RIBs (rigid inflatable boats) to a client who does polar expeditions. Marine Air Flow has provided the engine room ventilation systems for both these vessels.

The boats will transfer guests and crew to and from a larger mother ship in addition to ferrying supplies when required. These boats could be working in fairly extreme conditions on occasion and it was essential that they be able to weather what might be harsh operating environments. Acting as pathfinders for the mother ship, the vessels have been painted in vibrant colors not just to ensure high visibility, but so they can lead their mother ship as port and starboard indicators. I'm sure you will agree they will be hard to miss and its an ingenious idea!

RIBS manufactured by Rafnar UK hosting MAFI engine room equipment

Named after English explorers , the Scott and Shackleton have a different plant system to traditional Rafnar vessels. Both have a sterndrive Volvo Penta D6 diesel engine in conjunction with a Volvo Penta DPI drive with dual propellers.

Because of the limited engine room space Marine Air Flow designed a combination system consisting of a custom designed intake grille with a rear mounted compact fan to assist with cooling in this confined area.

Despite operating in very cool conditions, engine rooms for vessels operating in artic or polar regions do still need both moisture protection and cooling, especially if the plant room is limited in size.

These custom designed air intake grilles are mounted with our DC compact fans which not only help protect the engine room from moisture and salt spray, but also assists with cooling to help maintain correct operating temperatures for the engines.

Operating in any harsh environment brings its own challenges, however it is also a situation where you never want to experience plant failure. Enabling the motors to run at a preferred temperature and without the risk of damage from the possible conditions is key to staying safe in these situations.

Custom designed Air Intake Grilles for a polar expedition vessel.

You can see from the face of the grille that the flange was designed to align with the design of the vessel, but still allow the vanes to run perfectly vertical as they need to.

Congratulations to Rafnar Maritime for another quality build. Their reputation as a vessel manufacturer is second to none and Marine Air Flow is proud to have such a close association with such an innovative and reputable company. We visited their factory in Iceland in 2017 and Brad came away extremely impressed with not just their capabilities but they day to day processes.

If you are not aware, Össur Kristinsson came from the world of prosthetics before venturing into marine hull design. Rafnar hulls are known for their "anti-slamming" technology which means a much better ride than a traditional hull. If you are considering purchasing a vessel specifically designed for rough seas, please consider Rafnar.

Check our some other Completed Projects

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56 Meter RORO Ferries Project For Abu Dhabi

By Brad Marsden • June 10, 2025

Optimising Engine Room Ventilation for Abu Dhabi’s High-Speed Ro-Pax Ferries As part of Abu Dhabi’s ongoing investment in advanced maritime infrastructure, the AD Ports Group commissioned two high-speed Ro-Ro ferries to operate between the UAE mainland and Delma Island. Carrying 250 passengers and 25 cars per trip at a service speed of over 30 Knots is pretty impressive , and you'd have to agree they are certainly very tidy looking Roll On Roll Off Ferries!! Designed for both passenger comfort and operational performance, these cutting-edge vessels required a ventilation solution that could meet the rigorous demands of the Gulf’s climate and the intense operating conditions of four powerful MTU engines per vessel. Our team was proud to be selected to design and deliver the engine room ventilation system for these state-of-the-art ferries, ensuring they remain safe, efficient, and reliable at sea. Engineering the Future of Fast Ferry Travel Built to carry up to 194 passengers and 25 vehicles, each of the 56-metre-long catamarans has been equipped with four MTU 16V4000M65L high-performance engines driving Kongsberg KaMeWa waterjets. This powerful propulsion setup enables cruising speeds of up to 35 knots, making the ferries among the fastest in their class within the region. Inside, the vessels feature modern amenities such as a VIP lounge, children’s play area, two cafes, five toilets, and full wheelchair accessibility, highlighting AD Ports Group’s commitment to both efficiency and passenger experience. Operating in the heat of the Persian Gulf, however, presents unique engineering challenges. The heart of this lies within the engine room where temperatures, airflow, and safety systems must be tightly controlled to prevent overheating, ensure compliance, and protect both crew and machinery. A Tailored Ventilation Solution for Demanding Conditions The brief for this project was clear: create a ventilation system that could not only manage the extreme thermal loads generated by four high-output marine engines but also comply with international marine safety standards, including fire isolation and redundancy protocols. Key features of the system we delivered include: Marine-Grade Ventilation Dampers : Built from corrosion-resistant stainless steel, our dampers are designed for longevity and reliability in a saltwater environment. Integrated Auto Close Capability : The dampers are configured to close rapidly in the event of a fire, helping to isolate the engine room and restrict oxygen supply. High Airflow Capacity : Designed specifically for the compact, high-output layout of the engine rooms, the system allows for maximum airflow and heat dissipation under full load. Moisture and Salt Mist Defence: Our Intake grilles are known globally for their excellent capability of reducing salt mist and spray into your engine room. Here they allow a vessel operating in already extreme conditions to require far less ongoing equipment replacement. Redundancy & Safety : With automated control options and manual overrides, the system ensures continuous operation and safety during engine shutdowns or emergencies. Delivering Results at Sea With the ventilation system now fully installed and operational, the Ro-Pax ferries have successfully completed sea trials and are ready to begin service. The performance of the engine room ventilation under load has exceeded expectations, maintaining optimal operating temperatures even during high-speed runs in the peak Gulf heat. In addition to thermal performance, the system’s fire isolation capability offers an added layer of safety, helping these ferries meet stringent international compliance standards while delivering peace of mind for operators and passengers alike. Reflecting on the Project This project underscores the critical importance of high-performance ventilation systems in modern vessel design. From the intense thermal loads of multi-engine configurations to the need for rapid fire response and corrosion resistance, every detail matters when it comes to marine safety and reliability. We’re proud to have played a key role in supporting this milestone for AD Ports Group and Abu Dhabi’s maritime future and we look forward to bringing this level of engineering excellence to future vessel builds across the region and beyond. Talk to Us About Your Marine Ventilation Needs Whether you’re designing a new-build high-speed ferry or retrofitting an existing vessel, we offer tailored ventilation solutions that combine safety, efficiency, and performance. Get in touch with our team today to learn how we can support your next marine engineering project.