Ship interior partition panels are fire-rated composite sandwich panel systems engineered for B-class and C-class bulkhead divisions in ship accommodation spaces. They provide certified fire containment under IMO FTP Code and SOLAS Chapter II-2 while minimizing top-weight to preserve vessel stability margins on passenger ships and offshore platforms.
The non-combustible mineral wool core bonded between galvanized steel skins delivers acoustic insulation of 30-45 dB Rw for cabin privacy and crew rest, combined with vibration damping that isolates accommodation spaces from machinery-induced structure-borne noise transmitted through the hull girder.
Panels are configured for cabin partitions, corridor bulkheads, galley enclosures, and public space linings on cruise ships, ferries, naval vessels, and offshore living quarters. Joint systems use cam-lock or tongue-and-groove profiles sealed with fire-rated adhesives, maintaining division integrity at every connection point during the full fire test duration.
These partition panels meet A-class, B-class, and C-class division requirements under SOLAS Chapter II-2 Regulation 5, 6, and 9. Lightweight core selection reduces accommodation outfit weight by 20-35% compared to traditional steel bulkhead construction, directly improving metacentric height and fuel efficiency on displacement vessels.
Your Trusted Manufacturer for Ship Interior Partition Panel
RaxPanel is a direct manufacturer of fire-rated marine partition panels based in Hebei, China. Our production process follows the IMO FTP Code certification pathway from raw material qualification through prototype fire testing to serial production audit, ensuring every panel batch carries traceable compliance documentation for flag state and classification society review.
Lightweight core selection is engineered per vessel stability requirements: mineral wool density is matched to the required fire class and acoustic target, from 80 kg/m³ for C-class linings to 160 kg/m³ for A-60 machinery space boundaries. An on-site acoustic testing laboratory verifies sound reduction index on production samples against IMO Resolution MSC.337(91) criteria. With a daily production capacity of 1,700 m² and exports to more than 30 countries and regions, RaxPanel serves shipyards and offshore module suppliers worldwide.
- IMO FTP Code certification pathway with full material traceability for flag state approval.
- Mineral wool core density matched from 80 to 160 kg/m³ per fire class and acoustic target.
- Acoustic testing laboratory verifying sound reduction index per IMO MSC.337(91) on production samples.
- Cam-lock and tongue-and-groove joints sealed with fire-rated adhesives for continuous division integrity.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Skin Material | Galvanized steel / Pre-painted steel |
| Skin Thickness | 0.5-0.6 mm |
| Core Material | Non-combustible mineral wool (rockwool) |
| Core Density | 80-160 kg/m³ (per fire class) |
| Core Thermal Conductivity | 0.038-0.045 W/(m·K) |
| Fire Classification | A-class / B-class / C-class divisions |
| B-15 Integrity | 15 minutes flame containment |
| A-60 Integrity | 60 minutes smoke and flame containment |
| Critical Heat Flux (CFE) | ≥ 20.0 kW/m² (FTP Code Part 5) |
| Acoustic Insulation | 30-45 dB Rw (per IMO MSC.337(91)) |
| Thickness Range | 30-100 mm |
| Panel Width | 1000 / 1200 mm |
| Max Length | Up to 3,000 mm |
| Joint System | Cam-lock / tongue-and-groove with fire-rated adhesive |
| Standards | 2010 FTP Code, SOLAS Ch. II-2, ISO 24682 |
| Applications | Cabins, corridors, galleys, accommodation blocks, offshore quarters |
Ship Interior Partition Panel Engineering Guide
Ship interior partition panels must satisfy classification society fire rules, withstand constant vibration, and keep weight low enough to preserve vessel stability. The guide below covers the fire, acoustic, and structural decisions that distinguish marine-grade partitions from land-based wall systems.
Ship interior panels must carry class-approved fire test data covering flame spread, smoke density, and toxicity (IMO FTP Code Parts 2, 5, and 10). Ask for certificates that name the exact laminate construction you are ordering, not a generic test on a different skin-core combination.
1. Fire compliance under IMO FTP Code
Marine partitions are tested under the International Maritime Organization’s Fire Test Procedures Code. Class B divisions must limit flame spread, smoke generation, and toxicity of combustion products. Mineral wool or phenolic cores at 50-100 mm thickness achieve B-15 classification, while aluminium honeycomb cores with fire-rated skins meet B-0 requirements for non-accommodation spaces. The fire certificate must name the specific skin adhesive, and core combination supplied.
2. Acoustic insulation between cabins and machinery spaces
- Cabin-to-cabin: Rw 30-35 dB (50 mm mineral wool core)
- Cabin-to-corridor: Rw 35-40 dB (75 mm core with sealed joints)
- Machinery boundary: Rw 40-50 dB (100 mm core + resilient mounts)
Mineral wool cores outperform foam for acoustic partitions because the open fibre structure converts sound energy into heat through friction. Joint sealing is critical: even a 2 mm gap at the floor track can reduce the installed Rw by 5 dB.
3. Weight management and vessel stability
Interior partition weight directly affects the vessel’s centre of gravity and metacentric height. Aluminium honeycomb panels at 8-15 kg/m² are the lightest option for upper-deck accommodation, while steel-skinned mineral wool panels at 18-28 kg/m² suit lower decks where fire rating governs. Weight data per panel type should be submitted to the naval architect before class approval.
4. Vibration and racking resistance
Ship partitions experience continuous engine vibration and wave-induced racking loads. Panels lock into aluminium or steel floor tracks and ceiling channels with 3-5 mm clearance, allowing thermal expansion while preventing rattling. Resilient rubber gaskets at track interfaces decouple the panel from the hull structure, reducing structure-borne noise transmission.
5. Surface finishes for marine interiors
Galvanised or pre-painted steel skins with PVC film lamination provide a wipe-clean surface that meets IMO low-flame-spread requirements. For accommodation areas, decorative HPL or wood-veneer facings are bonded to the panel in the factory, eliminating on-site painting and the associated VOC concerns in enclosed spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mineral wool or phenolic cores achieve B-15 classification under IMO FTP Code. Aluminium honeycomb with fire-rated skins meets B-0 for non-accommodation spaces. The certificate must name the exact laminate construction supplied.
Aluminium honeycomb panels run 8-15 kg/m² for upper-deck accommodation. Steel-skinned mineral wool panels run 18-28 kg/m² where fire rating governs. Weight data is provided for naval architect stability calculations.
Yes. Panels can be trimmed with standard carbide tools for pipe and cable penetrations. Cut edges must be sealed with fire-rated mastic to maintain the division’s integrity classification.
Panels slot into aluminium or steel floor tracks and ceiling channels with 3-5 mm clearance. Resilient gaskets at track interfaces decouple the panel from hull structure to reduce vibration noise.

