Marine chiller insulation for cruise ship systems

Project at a glance

Marine chillers must be prepared for demanding onboard conditions long before they are installed. This project shows how the right marine insulation solution can help reduce condensation risk and support reliable performance throughout the vessel’s operation.

The project involved insulating five marine chillers intended for installation on a Carnival cruise ship. Because these systems operate in a demanding marine environment, insulation quality was an essential part of the specification. Carnival Corporation needed a long-term solution to help reduce recurring moisture issues and support reliable system performance. ThermaSmart® Marine insulation products were selected for the application and installed at Johnson Controls in Carquefou, France, by certified installer Nord Loire Isolation.

Certified installers play a crucial role in achieving long-term insulation performance. Product choice is important, but correct installation is just as critical. In chilled water and refrigeration systems, even small weak points can later lead to surface condensation, energy loss or additional maintenance.

Why insulation material choice matters

When moisture appears on chilled water systems, maintenance demands quickly increase. Over time, operators may face repairs, operational disruption and pressure on system reliability.

In marine operations, long-term reliability supports safety, comfort and efficient vessel operation. Insulation therefore needs to help keep system surfaces dry while supporting performance throughout the vessel’s lifetime.

Carnival Corporation requested a durable solution for recurring moisture issues. ThermaSmart® Marine is designed to help minimize condensation risk, reduce maintenance needs and contribute to a longer system lifespan in demanding marine cooling, refrigeration and ventilation applications.

Products used

Two Thermaflex insulation materials were used for the project:

400 m² ThermaSmart® PRO HF (halogen-free) sheet, 13 mm thickness
400 m² ThermaSmart® Marine 4.0 sheet, 19 mm thickness

These products were selected based on the technical requirements of the marine chiller application and the need for reliable condensation control in a demanding onboard environment.

Key success factors

This project highlights three factors that help support reliable marine cooling, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems:

choose insulation designed for marine cooling, refrigeration and air-conditioning systems
work with a certified installation partner
focus on long-term reliability, not only first installation cost

If your project involves marine chillers, ventilation, air-conditioning or refrigeration systems, it may be time to review your insulation approach.

Thermaflex works directly with owners, OEM customers, engineers, contractors, installers and project decision-makers to deliver marine insulation solutions designed around practical performance, installation quality and long-term value.

Why work with us

Thermaflex combines decades of expertise with a commitment to sustainable innovation. As your trusted partner, we deliver more than products, we provide comprehensive technical support, proven solutions, and collaborative partnerships that help you achieve project success, regulatory compliance, and long-term operational efficiency across various markets and applications worldwide.