Australian-based company CBG Systems’ (CBG) lightweight fire insulation panels provide a simple solution for ensuring fire safety at sea.  

Passenger ship operators can install Rapid Access Composite (RAC) Plus, a lightweight panelised structural fire protection system that can withstand temperatures of more than 1,000C. The solution comprises a stainless-steel structure and non-metallic, non-corrosive panels with a thermal non-intumescent protective coating to ensure they retain their structure in extreme heat. 

Designed in collaboration with Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, RAC Plus is approved for use on steel ships and aluminium high-speed craft and has been successfully installed on ferries for Fred Olsen, Baleària and Molslinjen. The lightweight system has decreased the overall weight of the ships, reducing fuel consumption, operating costs and carbon dioxide emissions.  

CBG is currently developing a lightweight B15 panel, which will provide significant weight-saving advantages. 

“We hope to see the B15 panel development maturing towards the end of 2022,” says Javier Herbon, managing director of CBG, adding that it is part of the firm’s efforts to expand its marine safety equipment portfolio.” 

CBG, which received the Innovation award for its RAC Plus system at the 2022 Indo Pacific Maritime Exposition in Sydney, Australia, is continuing to raise awareness about safety requirements within the marine industry. “This award has significantly increased interest in our product around the world, particularly in the steel ship sector,” says Herbon. “CBG will be able to service customers with a holistic approach in the future by continuing to develop lightweight marine technologies.” 

This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2022 issue of Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.     

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