Adding Ventilation Equipment When You Are Re-powering Your Vessel

February 2, 2020

Brad Marsden

Director - Marine Air Flow International

35 Years Experience in the Marine Industry

Adding Engine Room Ventilation Equipment After Manufacture

The modern diesel engine relies so much more now than ever on having high volumes of cool quality fresh air that is free of salt mist and spray. If not, the engine will function at reduced efficiency which in turn can cost you more in fuel and maintenance.

The engine runs the risk of operating at a higher than ideal temperature and in some instances can cause the ECU (engine management system) to de-rate and go into limp mode. This de-rating will trigger an error code that is often recorded, which in turn warns the engine tech that the system has been operating out of specification boundaries. This will usually result the manufacturer declining a warranty claim in the event of a failure of any kind whether it occurred during this time frame or not.

While many operators throughout the world regularly refit and re-power existing craft which they have had for many years, they often do not take into consideration the changes in requirements from a 15 year old engine to a new power plant. The new engines are more likely electronically controlled and frequently have in built data logging. The same sized engine capacity generally has much higher output ability than older models and requires greater air quantities to enable the greater performance.

Due to the increased performance, the engines produce significantly more heat output. This latent heat results in increased engine room temperatures. Most older craft already operated at alarmingly high temperatures when they were originally designed and built.

Have you ever gone into the engine room of a 20 year old naturally ventilated cray boat after its been to work for the day? The heat is crippling. If you can't perform well in that environment it should be no surprise the engine won't either.

No fisherman would consider going to sea to fish professionally using an old school sounder and no GPS or radar and expect to achieve a successful catch. To expect your new engine to perform to its advertised specification AND have the piece of mind of your new warranty it is essential to ensure the engine room ventilation meets specification.

Advantages from fitting engine room cooling equipment:

Supporting your warranty but allowing your new engine to operating inside the warranty specs.
Reduce fuel burn and save on running costs and maintenance expenses.
Ensures your boat is available for more hours when you want it.
Prevents salt mist and corrosion damage.
Increase long term vessel value as the equipment remains in prime condition.

While the cost of a full engine room ventilation system can seem daunting, when you look at the advantages and how it helps to assist in the long term quality of your very expensive new equipment, it is something you should consider.

A recreational boat being refitted with new engine room grilles

Adding Ventilation Equipment

Please feel free to reach out and chat to us about your upcoming refit. Typically a full engine room ventilation system has a lead time of approximately 4 weeks, so the sooner you contact us, the more chance we have of fitting into your refit schedule.

Give Mark a call on +61 428 301 700

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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.