Shipbuilding Cable Solutions | Marine Power, Control & Fire Resistant Cable

Shipbuilding projects demand cables that perform reliably for 25 to 30 years in salt air, vibration, oil mist and confined spaces. This guide explains which cable types are used in newbuild and repair projects, which standards apply, and how to match cable construction to each area of a vessel.

Cable Challenges in Shipbuilding

Unlike onshore installations, shipboard cables must handle continuous hull vibration, high humidity, salt corrosion, oil exposure and strict fire safety rules under SOLAS. A cable failure at sea is far more expensive than on land, which is why shipyards specify type tested cables from qualified manufacturers rather than generic industrial types.

Recommended Cable Types by System

Main Power Distribution

Low voltage power cables according to IEC 60092-353 are used for switchboard connections, distribution boards and motor feeders. For medium voltage systems above 1kV, IEC 60092-354 screened constructions are required. Anhui Tiankang CJ Series XLPE insulated types cover 0.6/1kV feeders with flame retardant, fire resistant and low smoke halogen free options, with DNV Type Approval TAE000050C for NSC fire resistant types and TAE000050D for SC flame retardant types.

Control and Automation

Engine control rooms, steering gear, pumps and valve actuators use 150/250V control cables per IEC 60092-376. Screened constructions reduce interference for automation and alarm systems. CHJ Series communication cables with pair screening serve instrumentation networks.

Critical Fire Resistant Circuits

Emergency lighting, fire pumps, alarm and emergency shutdown circuits require fire resistant cables that maintain circuit integrity during fire, tested to IEC 60331. NSC type shipboard cables with mica tape insulation systems are specified for these circuits, with DNV and Nippon Kaiji Kyokai type test certificates available for project documentation.

Deck Machinery and Service Areas

Winches, cranes, hatch covers and deck service equipment need oil resistant, abrasion resistant sheaths. Armoured types with steel wire braid protect against mechanical damage in high traffic areas.

Standards and Certificates for Ship Projects

• IEC 60092 series for construction and testing, IEC 60332-3-22 Category A flame retardance, IEC 60331 fire resistance, IEC 60754 and IEC 61034 for halogen free low smoke performance

• Classification society documents: DNV Type Approval, ABS design assessment and manufacturing assessment, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai type test certificates, with CCS, LR, BV and RINA documentation available per project scope

• Full cable marking per IEC 60092 and traceability to type test reports for surveyor review

Cable Selection by Ship Area

• Engine room: high temperature, oil resistant sheath, armoured for protection near machinery

• Cargo holds and deck: mechanical protection, UV and oil resistant outer sheath

• Accommodation and control rooms: low smoke halogen free types for personnel safety

• Emergency systems: fire resistant NSC types for circuit integrity during fire

Why Anhui Tiankang for Shipbuilding Projects

• Type tested cable types covering power, control and instrumentation, with certificates from DNV, ABS and NK

• Wide size range from 1mm2 to 240mm2, multi-core and screened configurations for automation systems

• Experience supplying newbuild, repair and retrofit projects with full documentation packages for surveyors

• Fast quotation with TDS and certificate copies for technical submittals

FAQ

Q1: Which cable standard applies to most shipboard power cables?

IEC 60092-353 for low voltage power cables up to 1kV and 3kV, and IEC 60092-354 for medium voltage cables. Control cables follow IEC 60092-376.

Q2: What is the difference between flame retardant and fire resistant shipboard cable?

Flame retardant cable prevents fire spread along cable bunches, while fire resistant cable also maintains circuit integrity during fire for critical circuits. Both are required in different areas of a vessel.

Q3: Can you provide certificates for classification society submission?

Yes. DNV type approval certificates, ABS design assessment and manufacturing assessment, and NK type test certificates are available. Please confirm the class society of your project so we prepare the matching documents.

Q4: What information should a shipyard provide for quotation?

Cable type or standard, voltage, core configuration and size, quantity or length, fire performance requirement, delivery port and required delivery time.

Request Project Support

For cable schedules, TDS, certificate copies or quotation for your shipbuilding project, please contact Anhui Tiankang. Browse the full range in Marine & Offshore Cables or review our classification society certificates.