Minimax Minifog marine XP extinguishing system complies with IMO 1165 guidelines

Bad Oldesloe, December 2, 2025 – Minimax has further developed its high-pressure water mist extinguishing system specifically for use with methanol fires.

Minimax is ready for new risks in maritime fire protection: The Minifog marine XP high-pressure water mist extinguishing system has been further developed for use with methanol fires. The focus here was on complying with the new requirements for bilge protection. The bilge is the area in the ship's engine room where flammable liquids and substances could potentially accumulate. This means that fires can start and spread particularly quickly here.

The further developments at a glance:

• The system protects pure methanol engines as well as dual propulsion systems.
• The effectiveness of the system was successfully tested in accordance with IMO MSC.1/Circ. 1165 in guideline-compliant fire tests at the company's in-house fire research center.
• The effectiveness of the system has been confirmed by Lloyd's Register.
• The associated fluorine-free foam concentrate is future-proof fire protection and less harmful to the environment.

“Minimax Minifog marine XP fights methanol fires safely and completely,” says Otto Stoehr, Foam Project Manager, Minimax Fire Solutions International GmbH. “In combination with our global service network, you can rely on reliable, sustainable, and high-quality fire protection from the market leader.”

Methanol: The future of shipping – a challenge for firefighting

Methanol is considered the marine fuel of the future because it is significantly cleaner and produces fewer emissions than fossil fuels such as diesel or heavy fuel oil. From a fire protection perspective, methanol has special properties: it burns with an invisible flame that does not produce smoke. Due to its low flash point, methanol fires spread very quickly.

Mathias-Christian Herrmann, Head of Competence Center Marine, Minimax Fire Solutions International GmbH, comments: "Our customers need solutions that work in an emergency case. That's why we test according to international regulations and even go a step further with our systems. Research and development are part of our DNA."

In a standardized replica, Minimax tested various nozzle systems and their effect on real methanol fires at its in-house fire research center. The test procedure was clearly defined: after a 30-second pre-fire period, the fire had to be completely extinguished within 15 minutes. The fire tests, set up compliant with guidelines, successfully tested the effectiveness of the system in accordance with IMO MSC.1/Circ. 1165. This has been confirmed by Lloyd's Register.

Minifog marine XP – Proven system, new application

Specially developed for shipping, Minifog marine XP also meets the fire protection requirements at sea for methanol as the fuel of the future. Minimax deliberately uses fluorine-free foam concentrates, as they are more environmentally friendly and comply with regulatory requirements.

“The quality of the foam is crucial,” says Dr. Matthias Prall, Extinguishing System Manager, Minimax GmbH. “In previous tests, we were able to show that water mist is not effective for extinguishing fires in this case. We need to form a blanket of foam on the burning material that covers it and then separates it from the oxygen in the air. The foam must be able to withstand the aggressive medium. Our system has been tested and proven to do this reliably.”

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