The CO2 firefighting system is a critical fixed safety installation on ships, primarily designed to protect enclosed, high-risk spaces like engine rooms and cargo pump rooms.

 Its effectiveness lies in two key principles: oxygen dilution and heat absorption. CO2 is stored as a liquid under high pressure. Upon release, it expands rapidly into a dense gas. Being heavier than air, it floods the protected space, displacing oxygen and reducing its concentration below the level required to sustain combustion (typically below 15%). Simultaneously, the rapid expansion causes significant cooling. This dual action quickly smothers fires, particularly Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (electrical) fires, without leaving any residue that could damage sensitive machinery, making it an ideal solution for engine room protection.

Checking of liquid level in CO2 fire cylinders with portable ultrasonic liquid level indicator: