Winter operations pose significant challenges for marine vessels, especially when it comes to heaters and heat exchangers, which play a critical role in maintaining fuel viscosity, thermal oil circulation, and overall system stability. Low ambient temperatures, fluctuating loads, and increased condensation significantly raise the risk of unexpected failures if these systems are not properly maintained.
Common Winter Failure Risks in Marine Heating Systems
During winter, marine heaters are exposed to higher stress due to continuous operation. Components such as control boards, regulating valves, pumps, and sensors are particularly vulnerable. Voltage fluctuations, thermal cycling, and moisture ingress often lead to failures in heater control systems like EPC50 Heater Boards, Heatpac Control Modules, and MT50 Boards. Even minor faults in these electronic components can cause complete system shutdowns.
Heat Exchanger Problems in Cold Conditions
Marine heat exchangers are equally affected during winter operations. Plate heat exchangers such as Alfa Laval CB30-50H and Alfa Laval Heatpac CBm76-40H may suffer from fouling, gasket hardening, or micro-leaks due to thermal contraction. In thermal oil systems, malfunctioning Alfa Laval regulating valves and inaccurate readings from water transducers can result in unstable temperatures, reduced efficiency, and increased fuel consumption.
Pump & Motor Failures Supporting Heating Systems
Supporting equipment like circulation pumps and motors are also under increased load. Failures in IMO pumps (038N3, ACE 025N3 NVBP) or motors such as ABB MU series and AMTECS motors often stem from bearing wear, seal degradation, or improper lubrication intensified by low temperatures. These failures can quickly escalate if spare parts are not readily available onboard.
Why Winter Maintenance Planning Is Critical
Preventive maintenance before and during winter is not optional—it is essential. Regular inspection of heater control cards, replacement of worn gaskets, timely service kit applications, and proper calibration of valves and transducers significantly reduce failure risks. Using OEM or high-quality equivalent spare parts ensures system reliability, longer component lifespan, and compliance with operational standards.
Maridec’s Expertise in Marine Heating & Heat Exchange Systems
Maridec Marine supports ship operators worldwide with reliable spare parts and technical solutions for marine heaters and heat exchangers. From Alfa Laval heat exchangers and regulating valves to heater control boards, pumps, motors, and complete service kits, Maridec ensures fast supply, expert guidance, and reduced downtime during critical winter operations.
With a strong focus on energy efficiency, operational safety, and lifecycle cost reduction, Maridec helps vessels maintain uninterrupted heating performance even under the harshest winter conditions.
Stay Operational This Winter
Unexpected heater or heat exchanger failures can lead to costly downtime and safety risks. Contact Maridec Marine today to secure the right spare parts, control units, and service kits for your vessel’s heating systems—and ensure reliable performance throughout winter operations.
👉 Get in touch with Maridec for expert support and global spare parts supply.
📩 sales@maridec.com
📞 +90 216 423 06 06
