Marine valves
From storm valves to cement boxes … a snapshot of valves used on ships
The number and scope of valves required for ships is much wider than might first be imagined. With applications including fuel lines, steam lines, firefighting systems, drinking water, sewage water, bilge control, ballast systems, cargo loading & unloading and compressed air to name just a few, merchant and naval vessels are home to a wide array of gate, globe, check, ball, butterfly and pressure relief valves. In short, plenty to keep onboard technicians busy, especially if prompt solutions are required when the vessel is at sea.
By KCI Editorial
Market expectations
The global shipping sector is currently in the ascendency, leading to many orders for extra vessels – and valves of course. For example, in their February 2025 report, Market Research Intellect i value the 2024 global marine actuator and valve market at USD 9.42 billion and project growth to reach USD 20.53 billion by 2031, reflecting a CAGR of 13.86 %. They ascribe this strong figure to increasing demand, technological advancements, and a focus on sustainability. Their optimism seems backed up by data from India, amongst others, where the shipbuilding industry is experiencing an unprecedented boom, having surged from USD 90 million in 2022 to USD 1.12 billion in 2024. These figures are for merchant shipping only, such as passenger ships, cruise liners, cargo vessels, rankers, special purpose vessels, service vessels, fishing vessels, etc. However, incidental data available for the naval sector indicates a similarly positive outlook. Hence early this year, a press release from Hunt Valve in the USA indicated that the company had been awarded major purchase orders( totalling USD 96 million) for essential valves for the Virginia and Columbia-Class submarine programs. The scope includes ship service ball valves and forged high-pressure system valves.
Meanwhile in Europe, W & O Supply released details about a framework agreement with Damen Naval to supply valves, filters and instrumentation for the construction of the German Navy’ s multipurpose combat vessel. The four F126 frigates are being built by Damen Naval at shipyards in Hamburg, Kiel and Wolgast. Interestingly, in addition to ensuring compliance with valve standards, W & O Europe will if necessary take care of shock and vibration testing.
Valve types
Be it merchant or naval shipping, a wide range of valve types can be found on boats of all shapes and sizes. For example, gate valves are commonly found in on / off services in ballast and fuel oil systems, where minimal pressure drop is a concern. Meanwhile, globe valves are a standard selection for temperature control systems and steam lines due to their ability to manage flow precisely. Ball valves are also used widely on board, such as in fuel and water services. Check valves are commonly utilized in bilge pumping systems and for that matter in any on-board application where reverse flow must be prevented. Butterfly valves are found in HVAC systems, seawater intake and ballast systems, especially for larger diameter piping due to their compact sizes. Pressure relief valves can be i https:// www. marketresearchintellect. com / download-sample /? rid = 444247 & utm _ source = PulseNovGlobal & utm _ medium = 041
44 Valve World June 2025 www. valve-world. net