Vessels and equipment operating in marine environments are exposed to ongoing moisture, corrosive substances, vibrations, and often UV radiation and fluctuating temperatures. All of these pose risks to the integrity of seals, and can lead to their failure, which can further result in unplanned downtime, safety risks, or even environmental damage.
MPRC Products (MPRC) provides high-performance sealing solutions that are made to withstand marine conditions including saltwater and freshwater applications. From tugboats and tankers to barges and subsea operations, our seals are designed for reliability and a long service life. Learn more about common uses of marine seals, important design considerations for selecting the best seal for the job, and why MPRC is your top choice for marine sealing solutions.
Key Applications of Seals in Marine Environments
Just like locomotives and other land vehicles, marine vessels have complex engines that require specialized seals for use in high-pressure and high-temperature environments. Barges and tanker ships transport bulk materials like fuel, chemicals, and dry goods, similar to their land-based counterparts as well. Seals for these applications keep cargo holds, tanks, and other containers secure and protect contents. MPRC supplies seals that can be used throughout entire vessels, from propulsion systems to deck equipment and beyond.
Seals are used for many different applications in these and other types of marine vessels. Seals commonly used for tugboats include:
- Main propulsion engines.
- Hydraulic steering systems.
- Winches and hoisting equipment.
- Seawater and freshwater pumps.
Barges and tankers engaged in bulk transport, sealing solutions are used to prevent leaks and contamination in:
- Cargo hatch covers.
- Transfer valves and pump couplings.
- Ballast and fuel systems.
- Hydraulic loading and unloading arms.
Subsea operations need seals that can withstand high hydrostatic pressure in deep water. These include critical components like ROV connectors, hatch gaskets, and pressure-rated shaft seals. In all cases, seals must ensure water-tight performance, chemical resistance, and long-term durability, often under dynamic motion and extreme conditions.
MPRC Products also supports deck and access systems with seals that preserve air and water integrity in hatches, bulkheads, and watertight doors. All of these are essential to vessel safety and survivability in case of emergency.
Optimizing Seal Selection for Marine Applications
To be effective, seals must be designed for their operating conditions. In marine applications, this includes:
- Material Compatibility. Choose materials that resist damage and degradation from saltwater, UV radiation, chemicals (e.g., fuels and lubricants), and marine biofouling. Materials such as EPDM, FKM, HNBR, PTFE, and marine-grade polyurethane are common choices.
- Operating Conditions. Pressure, temperature, and abrasion risk are important to factor into design and material selection. The exact conditions are different for each application. For example, seals used in propulsion shafts face different forces than those in hydraulic cylinders or bilge pumps.
- Corrosion Resistance. In saltwater applications, metal components must be corrosion resistant. Coatings or stainless alloys are often required in flange gaskets or bonded seals.
- Regulatory Compliance. All seals must comply with international marine standards, such as those from the IMO, ABS, DNV, Lloyd’s Register, or the USCG. Compliance ensures safety, environmental protection, and insurance eligibility.
MPRC Products: Precision-Engineered for Marine Reliability
At MPRC, seals for marine use are designed and manufactured specifically for use in vessels, ships, tugboats, barges, and other industrial marine settings. We collaborate with all of our customers to understand their requirements and operational conditions so we can provide an optimal solution. This includes factors such as pressures and temperatures, chemical exposure, and movement profiles.
We work with a large selection of marine-compatible elastomers, fluoropolymers, and thermoplastics to create seals that resist saltwater, UV degradation, ozone, and chemical attack. Products are manufactured to meet specified tolerances, pressure ratings, and fluid compatibilities.
All MPRC Products are tested to exceed industry standards, which helps prolong their useful life and reduce the frequency of maintenance and associated downtime.
Why Marine Industry Professionals Choose MPRC Products
Marine professionals and operators choose MPRC Products because we deliver more than off-the-shelf components. Our custom seals are engineered to fit each application’s requirements and backed by our industry knowledge and proven performance.
For custom sealing solutions for propulsion systems, hatches, cargo systems, engine components, subsea infrastructure, and more, MPRC can help. Contact our team to request a quote or discuss your application today.