Survitec awarded €22.7m contract for dry inert gas systems

by Featured NewsPorts & MaritimeProjectsTransport

Survitec to supply LNG carrier safety systems in China

Survitec has announced that its brand Maritime Protection will provide dry inert gas systems for 24 LNG carriers under construction in China.

The company confirmed on 9 June that the contract is valued at €22.7 million and covers equipment deliveries between 2026 and 2030.

According to Survitec, the deal is the largest single order in Maritime Protection’s history and supports Qatar’s second LNG fleet expansion programme.

The systems will be installed on vessels owned by a consortium of five shipowners.

Each unit will include a high-capacity dry inert gas generator rated at 21,000 Nm³/h.

Design and delivery to span four years

Survitec stated that deliveries will be phased to align with vessel completion schedules.

The manufacturer said the systems will be installed between 2026 and 2030 across 24 ships.

It added that the project will contribute to meeting rising global demand for liquefied natural gas transport.

According to Survitec, system design maturity and operational reliability were central to the contract evaluation process.

The company noted that the order followed a multi-party selection process involving detailed technical reviews.

Bernt Øhrn, Managing Director at Maritime Protection, said: “This is a defining contract for Maritime Protection.

“It’s the largest single order in our history and reflects the growing demand for engineered safety systems in the LNG sector.”

Technical specifications and compliance

Survitec confirmed that each system includes a combustion chamber, cooler, chiller and dryer arranged in a horizontal configuration.

The company stated that this layout helps eliminate hydrocarbon risk in the seawater drain.

It added that the dry inert gas systems are designed to maintain an oxygen level near 1 percent in cargo tanks, minimising fire and explosion risk during operations such as dry docking.

Survitec explained that the design meets approval standards set by DNV, BV, ABS and Lloyd’s Register.

These approvals are required by the shipowners commissioning the new LNG carriers.

Market confidence in existing performance

Survitec highlighted that Maritime Protection has delivered dry inert gas generators for over 400 gas tankers since 2005.

It stated that more than half of those deliveries occurred in the past five years.

Knut Kaupang, Director of Sales at Maritime Protection, said: “Throughout the quotation process, it became clear that the shipowners were focused on securing a technically mature solution from a supplier with a long-standing track record in the LNG sector.

“The vessels involved are among the largest and most advanced of their type, and the equipment requirements reflect that scale.

“Our system design has been proven across a wide range of vessel types and operating conditions, which has helped build confidence among all stakeholders involved.

“When equipment is this integral to a ship’s infrastructure, owners need to have certainty in the design, the delivery capability, and the long-term support behind it.”

Industry relevance and contract background

Survitec reported that the contract was awarded following an extended negotiation period.

It stated that performance history, system maturity and lifecycle support were all key evaluation criteria.

The LNG carriers form part of a wider expansion programme aiming to support increased liquefied natural gas distribution worldwide.

Maritime Protection is responsible for engineering, manufacturing and service delivery across the lifecycle of the supplied systems.

The company noted that its integrated delivery model was a factor in the contract decision.

Survitec awarded €22.7m contract for dry inert gas systems: Summary

Survitec announced a €22.7 million contract to supply dry inert gas systems.

The contract was awarded to Survitec’s brand Maritime Protection.

It covers 24 LNG carriers being built in China for five shipowners.

The project is part of Qatar’s second LNG fleet expansion programme.

Deliveries will occur between 2026 and 2030.

Each system includes a 21,000 Nm³/h dry inert gas generator.

System design includes a combustion chamber, cooler, chiller and dryer.

The layout eliminates hydrocarbon risk in the seawater drain.

The systems are approved by DNV, BV, ABS and Lloyd’s Register.

They are used to maintain oxygen levels of around 1 percent.

This reduces explosion and fire risk during cargo operations.

The contract followed a competitive evaluation and negotiation process.

More than 400 tankers have been fitted with Maritime Protection systems since 2005.

Over half were delivered in the past five years.

Survitec stated that design maturity and lifecycle support influenced the contract award.

Fire & Gas Detection Technologies Inc. launch in the Middle East

by Featured NewsMiddle East - ProductsPeople

2025 marks the official launch of FGD’s products in the Middle East with a newly opened branch office in the UAE to better serve key clients in the region and across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

Fire & Gas Detection Technologies Inc. (FGD) tackles the daily challenges that affect productivity, safety and profitability by offering solutions that minimise false alarms. FGD specialises in flame detection equipment designed to enhance workplace safety in the event of accidents and process failures.

FGD’s key markets include oil and gas, energy transition (including BESS sites and hydrogen) and waste recycling and energy facilities. Since its establishment in 2017, FGD’s team of experienced engineers has developed a range of flame detectors, including the FlameSpec series.

Since 2019 and 2020, FGD has been supplying products to customers in the Americas and Europe, respectively.

Global expansion and new branch office in the UAE

The branch, offering customer service, technical and sales support, is poised to meet the growing demand for advanced fire and gas detection technologies. Iain Evans, who has been promoted to President of FGD Middle East, will lead a team to fulfil the needs of customers across the region.

Innovative flame detection technology

One of the company’s standout offerings is its advanced flame detection technology, which includes both IR3 and UV-IR detectors. These technologies are well known in the Middle East, but FGD has significantly improved response times and false alarm rejection.

These products were created by the same engineers responsible for developing the original IR3 and UV-IR technologies still in use today. FGD’s core goal is to meet the industry’s ongoing need for safer and more reliable detection systems.

False alarms remain the most frequent issue for users of IR3 and UV-IR technology and these advancements address that challenge head-on with some truly innovative solutions, including FlameSpec CO2L, FlameSpec Blade and FlameSpec StretcH2.

With these enhancements, FGD’s FlameSpec family of detectors provides a significant leap forward in flame detection technology.

These products serve both traditional oil and gas industries and the emerging energy transition sectors, offering specialised solutions for hydrogen flame detection, spark and arc monitoring and avoiding false alarms from hot CO2 exhausts.

Additionally, these detectors can pinpoint the exact location of flames within their field of view.

Integrating video and AI technology for enhanced safety

In addition to these improvements, FGD has integrated video technology into its detection systems. This offers operators an added layer of security and provides them with real-time visual confirmation of any fire alarms.

Typically, security cameras are installed in safe areas such as the perimeter, entry gates and doors, but they rarely cover hazardous areas due to restricted access. However, FGD’s HD detectors allow operators to view these high-risk areas and even employ AI to detect movement, such as people or objects.

Given the vast amount of data operators must process, these devices help reduce information overload, ensuring that quick, informed decisions can be made in the event of an alarm.

FDG expand reach by launching in the Middle East: Summary

Fire & Gas Detection Technologies Inc has announced that they will be launching their services in the Middle East. Since 2019 and 20202, FDG have supplied products in America and Europe.

BCGA publishes updated Code of Practice 50 for safe transport of gas cylinders

by Featured NewsSafety

New guidance for emergency services on gas cylinder transport by BCGA

The British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA), in collaboration with the Department for Transport, has released an updated version of Code of Practice 50, titled ‘The Carriage of Gas Cylinders On Vehicles’.

This revision is a thorough update of the previous document, Guidance Note 27, reflecting the latest legal and safety requirements.

Code of Practice 50 is now available for free download, offering comprehensive information on a range of critical aspects, including legal obligations, threshold quantity calculations, compliance with international carriage agreements, and guidelines for roadside inspections.

The updated code also encompasses details on gas-fueled vehicles, fuel labels, personal safety, and recommended actions in case of an incident.

This extensive revision demonstrates the BCGA’s ongoing commitment to safety and best practices in the carriage of gas cylinders.

Expert insights and legal alignment

Jake Lake, Technical Manager of the BCGA, highlighted the significance of the updated code: “Gas cylinders are commonly used and many thousands are transported every day without incident, but to ensure that they are safe for transport there is specific legislation in place, as well as supporting guidance.”

Lake emphasised the alignment of the new Code with the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009, which forms the legal framework for the transport of dangerous goods in Great Britain.

Lake further added: “It was reviewed by the Competent Authority in the Department for Transport and reflects best practice for the carriage of gas cylinders.”

The update, last undertaken in 2017, ensures that the Code remains relevant and resourceful for the emergency services, embodying BCGA’s dedication to mission safety in the compressed gases industry.

BCGA’s role in promoting industry standards

The BCGA, a leading UK membership body for the compressed gases sector, is known for its stringent quality, safety, and environmental standards.

Members of the association contribute their expertise to promote best practices in technical, safety, health, and environmental issues.

The Technical Committee and its subcommittees of the BCGA are instrumental in the development of the association’s extensive and highly regarded library of technical documents, including Codes of Practice and Guidance Notes.

These documents are widely referred to across the industry and related sectors, both nationally and internationally, solidifying BCGA’s role in shaping industry standards.

IFSJ Comment

The British Compressed Gases Association’s release of the revised Code of Practice 50 is a noteworthy development in enhancing safety standards in the transportation of gas cylinders.

This update, embodying current legal frameworks and best practices, is particularly beneficial for the emergency services, ensuring safer handling and transport of gas cylinders.

Such initiatives reflect the industry’s ongoing dedication to safety and compliance, and the BCGA’s role in fostering a culture of safety and responsibility.

The continued development of comprehensive, accessible safety guidance is vital in upholding the highest standards in the compressed gases industry.

Survitec unveils remote support service for inert gas systems in the maritime industry

by Featured NewsPorts & Maritime

New remote support service introduced after successful pilot tests

Survitec, a global provider of survival technology solutions, has launched a new remote support service for its inert gas (IG) systems. The development follows a successful completion of pilot tests with a leading tanker operator. The Maritime Protection brand, specialising in inert gas, was the frontrunner in this new initiative.

The remote support service is set to offer a quicker access to inert gas expertise for IG system operators. It will assist in averting system failures and maintain system efficiency.

Enhanced system performance and cost reduction

Bernt Øhrn, the Managing Director of Maritime Protection, stated: “Inert gas systems are essential and complex safety systems. If they fail, it’s effectively treated as an emergency situation requiring immediate remedial action. We have developed a way of supporting our customers remotely, reducing vessel off-hire through system downtime, and cutting back on the need to send out service engineers to the ship, which can be costly.” This remote support will enable specialist IG engineers to access the system remotely for system tuning, fault diagnosis and solution arrangement.

Official unveiling at Nor-shipping event in Oslo

The remote support service, which serves as an IG monitoring, diagnostics and control service, was officially launched at the Nor-shipping event in Oslo, following successful pilot tests aboard a 40,000dwt product tanker.

The call for a remote support solution became more apparent during the Covid pandemic. Travel restrictions limited engineers’ ability to board vessels to diagnose and repair faults in situ. A prominent European-based tanker operator and long-standing Maritime Protection customer assisted in the development of the solution, which is now functioning aboard 32 product tankers.

Virtual support service to optimise safety systems

Øhrn further elaborated: “Both companies agreed that a virtual support service where our inert gas engineers could log in to access the IG system remotely, diagnose any problems and fix them immediately, without having to travel out to the ship, would not only reduce operational costs but keep this critical safety system operating optimally.”

In case of system breakdown or a situation requiring physical presence, the shore-based technicians will be able to identify the problem and provide the necessary spare parts in advance. This will cut down on the time spent onboard and ensure that the fault can be repaired in one trip.

Secure and efficient system operation

Remote Support employs a secure VPN (Virtual Private Network) gateway, which can be installed without any system wiring or modifications. This is compatible with all Maritime Protection IG and nitrogen systems. Additional security measures, such as a “key” switch, are included to quickly enable or disable remote support and internet access.

Marine Protection is offering this Remote Control as an annual fee-based leasing model. It will include crew training, spare parts for the IG system, and regular system tune-ups to reduce fuel consumption and increase system stability. Øhrn concluded by saying, “Our technicians can tune up the IG system remotely to stabilise the oxygen content, optimising fuel consumption, which can realise significant fuel cost savings for each IG system.”

EU service centre launched by Blackline Safety

by Featured NewsFirefighting Equipment

Blackline Safety Corp has announced the launch of its first European Union (EU)-based service centre.

Following 118% revenue growth over the last two years in Europe for Blackline, the service centre is designed to meet heightened customer demand across the region.

The facility occupies a dedicated area within Blackline’s French site, strategically located in the industrial heart of north-eastern France near Lille, and is staffed by an established in-house team of technical and product specialists. Blackline will provide local customer service and offer rentals for Europe out of the centre.

Simon Rich, Sales Director, Blackline Safety Europe, said: “With an expanding customer base across Europe, Blackline recognises the need for dedicated regional support in the EU.

“Our connected safety wearables and area gas monitors offer a high degree of configurability for a variety of job functions and situations, as well as over-the-air firmware updates which can significantly reduce downtime, and the cost and complexity of fleet management. The ability to offer hands-on service and device maintenance on the continent should the need for service or repair arise, is key to keeping those devices out in the field where they belong, for the maximum possible time.”

The launch coincides with successful quality and environmental audits of Blackline Safety Europe’s existing ISO 9001 Quality Management and ISO 14001 Environmental Management standards in both its flagship facility in Colchester, United Kingdom and French office.

The new service centre will also support Blackline Safety’s rental offering in Europe, starting in late spring. Already established in North America, Blackline offers rental options for its complete portfolio of connected personal gas detectors, area monitors, lone worker wearables and accessories – all of which include Blackline Live online reporting and analytics software.

Understanding the unpredictability of work and importance of staying on budget, Blackline’s rental programme is designed to offer users full flexibility, taking a consultative approach to ensure a well-planned and customised safety solution that provides maximum protection for every project.

Gas explosion destroys homes in Birmingham

by ActiveFeatured News

At 20:38 on Sunday 26 June, fire crews responded to multiple reports of an explosion on Dulwich Lane, Kingstanding, Birmingham. The explosion, now thought to be a gas explosion, destroyed one property and caused damage to other properties and vehicles nearby.

Dulwich Road is closed and is expected to be for some time. West Midlands Police managed evacuations in the area.

In a statement, West Midlands Fire Service said they believed the incident which completely destroyed one property and significantly damaged three adjoining properties, to be a gas explosion.

The statment said: “One man was rescued prior to the arrival of the fire service and was taken into the care of West Midlands Ambulance, and was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Four other people have been treated at the scene for minor injuries.

“We have evacuated the affected and surrounding properties with our colleagues from West Midlands Police. Our search and rescue dog and handler have been mobilised to the scene and an additional search and rescue dog from Lancashire has been requested and is also en route to assist us.

“Birmingham City Council planning officers are standing by to assist residents that may need rehousing. A structural engineer has also been requested.

“We continue to ask the public to avoid the area and follow the instructions of on-scene emergency service officers.”

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: “One property has been completely destroyed with three others badly damaged. Cars have also been damaged.

“A man was helped from the property by people at the scene but had suffered very serious injuries.  After assessment and treatment at the scene, he was taken on blue lights to the major trauma centre at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham with the MERIT team travelling with the ambulance.  His condition on arrival at hospital was described as life threatening.”

2 dead and more injured after gas explosion in Southall

by Events

London Fire Brigade have confirmed that two people have died after a suspected gas explosion in West London earlier this afternoon.

The explosion took place in a shop in the Southall region of London, and the fire service rescued five others at the back of the property.

Station Commander Paul Morgan said: “Our crews have searched the property using specialist equipment including the use of a USAR dogs. We can confirm that sadly two people have died at the scene.

London Fire Brigade’s deputy assistant commissioner for fire safety has praised the new safety regulations in the private rental sector. 
London Fire and Rescue have suspended work until tomorrow

“It has been a painstaking and protracted incident with firefighters working systematically to stabilise the building and search for people involved. Operations have been concluded for the evening and will restart in the morning.

Gas explosion caused substantial damage

“The explosion caused substantial damage to the shop and structural damage throughout.

“In the initial stages firefighters rescued four adults and one child were rescued at the rear of the property using a ladder. A further fourteen adults and two children self-evacuated from surrounding properties.”

The number of fatalities and casualties are so far unknown with the emergency services still attending. A total of six fire engines and 40 fire fighters tackled the blaze and work has been suspended until tomorrow morning.

The Metropolitan Police are not treating the incident as suspicious.