Fire and Blast Walls

MTE Fire & Blast Systems have earned independent type approval from Lloyd’s Register and DNV GL, following rigorous witnessed testing conducted at the Exova Warrington Fire Testing Facility in the UK.

Fire testing was conducted in accordance with IMO Resolution MSC.307 (88), Annex 1: Part 3, achieving fire ratings of A0, A60, H0, H60, and H120 as specified by Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations.

Certified Testing & Advanced Design Methodology

Fire ratings are defined by two key performance criteria, integrity and insulation. For all A-rated fires, integrity must be maintained for a minimum of 60 minutes. For all H-rated fires, a minimum of 120 minutes is required

In addition, Jet Fire testing was successfully conducted at DNV GL Spadeadam against ISO 22899-1, achieving a 120-minute jet fire rating. Jet fire performance is assessed solely on integrity, with no thermal insulation requirement.

Advanced Blast Wall Design

MTE’s blast wall systems are engineered using proprietary software, based on non-linear elasto-plastic single degree of freedom analysis, referencing “Introduction to Structural Dynamics” by John M. Biggs. The methodology aligns with SCI-P-112 “Interim Guidance Notes for the Design and Protection of Topside Structures Against Explosion and Fire” with reference to FABIG Technical Note 5.

Validated through 100+ full-scale hydrocarbon explosion tests, the software —verified by Lloyd’s Register—accurately simulates overpressure, pulse, and shock wave loading.

This enables detailed analysis of deflection and reflection limits—ensuring safe, optimised design solutions.

Engineered Protection: Fire & Blast Wall Systems

MTE offers two core wall system types; each tailored to specific structural and safety requirements:

Non-Load Bearing Walls – Designed to resist environmental & operational loads such as fire, blast, and wind loads.
Stressed Skin Walls – Designed to withstand all of the above operational loads whilst providing full structural support, eliminating the need for additional bracing and reducing wall zone depth.

MTE provides a range of fire and blast wall solutions, which can be classified into the following core categories:

Deck to Deck

Ideal for traditional platforms, this configuration minimises moment and reaction transfer into structural steel, offering versatile application across offshore and onshore installations.

Overclad

Designed for Living Quarters and sensitive areas, Overclad solutions protect structural steel without requiring Passive Fire Protection (PFP), significantly reducing fireproofing costs.

Post & Panel

This system features horizontally spanning wall panels mounted to vertical structural posts, engineered to withstand high blast loads across large spans. Ideal for process areas, it offers a robust solution where both blast resistance and wide coverage are critical.

Connections

MTE provides welded or bolted connections, engineered to meet specific fire and blast load conditions. Each connection type is tailored to project requirements, ensuring structural integrity and compliance.

Optimised Performance, Reduced Weight

MTE’s proven prefabricated systems have consistently delivered performance, efficiency, and reliability across global projects.

Beyond expert design, engineering, and site installation, MTE delivers a solution that sets the benchmark for performance and efficiency:

Exceptional Weight Savings – Industry-leading prefabricated systems significantly reduce structural load.
Integrated Penetration Frames – Seamlessly accommodate doors, removable panels, and other access points.
No Passive Fire Protection (PFP) Required – Wall areas are engineered to eliminate the need for additional fireproofing.
Low Operational Costs – Minimal maintenance requirements translate into reduced OPEX over the platform’s lifecycle.

MTE has executed a range of global projects in demanding conditions, showcasing the durability and efficiency of its prefabricated fire and blast wall systems. The following case studies highlight the substantial weight savings achieved compared to traditional flat plate (FP) systems.

These prefabricated stainless steel wall systems are designed for longevity, requiring little to no maintenance throughout the platform’s operational life:

Contract	Area (m²)	MTE Total Weight (kg)	MTE Average (kg/m²)	FP Total Weight (kg)	FP Average (kg/m²)	Weight Saving (kg)	Percentage Saving
Hebron	11660	426255	36.6	928272	79.6	502017	54%
Martin Linge	5918	357060	60.3	649785	109.8	292726	45%
Valhall	4984	97068	19.5	295938	59.4	198870	67%
Sakhalin	13393	281264	21	855649	63.9	574384	67%
Mariner	6112	126326	20.7	387023	63.3	260697	67%