CASE STUDY
Sailing Smarter: Energy-Efficient
Insulation for Yacht Systems
Maintaining performance, safety, and onboard comfort aboard a superyacht requires precise engineering and careful management of mechanical systems. In high-humidity marine environments, chilled water piping and associated mechanical systems are continuously exposed to conditions that promote condensation, corrosion, and excessive noise. To balance fuel efficiency with the expectations of luxury and reliability, yacht operators increasingly rely on high-performance mechanical insulation. Lightweight, closed-cell elastomeric insulation plays a critical role in preventing energy losses, controlling moisture, reducing noise, and enhancing fire safety, making it an essential component of efficient yacht operation. Armacell in action.
Powering Performance at
Sea with ArmaFlex ® Ultima
Superior Insulation for Super Yachts
PROJECT:
Luxury yacht’s mechanical systems and piping require insulation to provide thermal efficiency prevent condensation, and damage.
LOCATION:
Hollywood, Florida, USA
ASSET OWNER:
M / Y Enterprise
INSULATION CONTRACTOR:
Titan Marine Air
CHALLENGE:
Effectively insulate chiller water tanks and piping systems to save energy, provide thermal efficiency, reduce noise, and improve safety.
SOLUTION:
Properly installed ArmaFlex Ultima in engine rooms on chilled mechanical systems.
DID YOU KNOW?
Air-conditioning and refrigeration systems consume a significant amount of energy averaging 30 to 40% of energy consumption on super yachts and cruise ships!
ENERGY EFFICIENCY BELOW DECK
Operational performance, safety, and comfort aboard a superyacht demands meticulous attention to the mechanical systems to keep the vessel operating efficiently. Modern yachts and superyachts rely on a complex network of mechanical systems to support navigation, propulsion, safety, and passenger comfort. These systems include fuel delivery, propulsion, hydraulics, ventilation, plumbing, and chilled water temperature control. At the core of each system is an interconnected network of pipes, valves, tanks, and vessels that distribute energy and resources throughout the yacht.
Managing the energy efficiency of these systems is critical to reducing fuel consumption, maintaining reliable operation, and ensuring onwboard comfort. Mechanical insulation plays a key role in this effort, particularly in chilled water systems where heat gain, condensation, and noise can negatively affect performance.
However, not all insulation materials are suitable for marine applications, where
environmental and regulatory demands are significantly higher than those encountered in land-based systems.
MARINE CHALLENGES: MOISTURE, CONDENSATION, AND DURABILITY
Marine mechanical insulation must perform in consistently humid environments while
meeting strict safety and classification requirements. Without proper insulation, chilled water piping can sweat” much like a glass of ice water on a hot day. This condensation can lead to mold and mildew growth, corrosion of piping and surrounding structures, and ultimately system failure.
Conventional open-cell insulation materials are not appropriate for these conditions, and traditional metal cladding can corrode, loosen, or fail over time leaving insulation exposed. Closed-cell elastomeric insulation solutions, like ArmaFlex ® , provide superior moisture resistance by limiting water vapor transmission and preventing condensation formation at the surface, helping maintain system integrity over the long term.
energy losses, prevent condensation, minimize noise, and enhance fire safety in demanding marine environments. By selecting high-performance, closed-cell elastomeric insulation solutions that meet marine regulatory standards, yacht owners, engineers, and operators can improve operational efficiency, extend system life, and ensure reliable performance at sea for years to come.
PERFORMANCE IN ENGINE ROOMS AND
CONFINED SPACES
Engine rooms present some of the most demanding conditions aboard a yacht. High temperatures, vibration, limited space, and continuous equipment operation require insulation materials that are both durable and effective. Maintaining pipe surface temperatures above the dew
point is essential to prevent condensation and protect sensitive equipment.
Titan Marine Air, a marine HVAC specialist, recently addressed these challenges
during a yacht engine room retrofit. Hector Castañeda, Business Development
Manager of Titan Marine Air shared, “We replaced the insulation in a yacht engine
room on the cooling plant as the previous insulation was completely deteriorated.
Using ArmaFlex Ultima, we insulated the return and supply manifolds, zone valves,
and new water pumps, including micro-chillers used to cool electrical rooms.
ArmaFlex Ultima was selected for its low water vapor transmission rate of 0.02, low
smoke generation, and compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO)
certification. Engine rooms are often dark, awnd the blue color of the Ultima product
also improved visibility during installation.” These erformance attributes combined with fire safety compliance and ease of
installation make closed-cell, low-smoke elastomeric insulation like ArmaFlex Ultima particularly well suited for critical marine environments.
Ongoing collaboration between insulation manufacturers and marine contractors supports higher installation quality and system performance. During the 2025 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), one of the world’s largest in-water boat shows, continued partnership between Armacell and Titan Marine Air highlighted the importance of craftsmanship and technical expertise in mega-yacht projects. Rafael Briceño, Regional Sales Manager for Northern Latin America, Mexico, and Florida, noted: “We have supported Titan Marine Air on several mega-yacht projects, and it is impressive to see the pride they take in their work, always targeting the highest installation standards.”
Below-deck mechanical systems are critical to the efficiency, safety, and comfort
of modern yachts and superyachts. Properly designed and installed mechanical insulation helps reduce
ArmaFlex Ultima
- Ultra-low smoke generation and high flame resistance to meet global building codes.
- UL listed and labeled. Classified to UL 723 (ASTM E84) with a 25/50 flame spread and smoke eveloped rating.
- FM Approved to FM 4924.
- Compliant with International
- Maritime Organization (IMO) certification.
- Monitored by UL to ensure continued compliance with life-safety standards required by codes such as IMC, UMC, and NFPA 90A and 90B.
- Provides condensation control.
- Prevents moisture-related issues like corrosion under insulation (CUI).
- Provides freeze protection.
- Attenuates noise by reducing sound transmission.
- Inhibits the growth of mold and mildew with Microban ® antimicrobial protection.
- Contribute to sustainability efforts through emissions reduction and energy efficiency.
- Lloyd’s Register (LR) Type Approval Certificate.
All data and technical information are based on results achieved under the specific conditions defined according to the testing standards referenced. Despite taking every precaution to ensure that said data and technical information are up to date, Armacell does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, content or completeness of said data and technical information. Armacell
also does not assume any liability towards any person resulting from the use of said data or technical information. Armacell reserves the right to revoke, modify or amend this document at any moment. It is the customer’s responsibility to verify if the product is suitable for the intended application. The responsibility for professional and correct installation and compliance with relevant building regulations lies with the customer. This document does not constitute nor is part of a legal offer to sell or to contract.
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© Armacell, 2026. All rights reserved. Trademarks followed by ® or TM are trademarks of the Armacell Group. Microban® is a trademark of Microban Products Company and is used herein with permission.
00968 | ArmaFlex | Titan Marine | Case Study | 032026 | EN-US
ABOUT ARMACELL
As the inventor of flexible foam for equipment insulation and a leading provider of engineered foams, Armacell develops innovative and safe thermal and mechanical insulation solutions that create sustainable value for its customers. Armacell’s products significantly contribute to driving energy efficiency worldwide. With more than 3,100 employees and 26 production plants in 20 countries, Armacell operates two main businesses, Advanced Insulation and Engineered Foams. Armacell focuses on insulation materials for technical equipment, high-performance foams for acoustic and lightweight applications, recycled PET products, next-generation aerogel technology and passive fire protection systems.
For more information, please visit:
www.armacell.com
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