DID YOU KNOW HOW THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM ONBOARD SHIPS AND SHIPS’ CABINS WORKS?

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EFFECTIVE AIR CONDITIONING

During Coronavirus pandemic, travellers are wondering about various safety topics. One of the issues raising many questions by the travellers is how the ships and particularly ships’ cabins are air-conditioned. In short, we can say that the ventilation is efficient. Indeed, each cabin is air-conditioned individually, not from one cabin to the next. In addition, due to a slight overpressure in the system, the air from hallways does not enter the cabins.

Article published 20.10.2020.

THE AIR IN THE SHIPS’ CABINS IS CONTINUOUSLY REFRESHED

When it comes to onboard air conditioning system, the ships’ cabins are built as so-called individual units. That means that in each unit, there is a separate air conditioning system. Fresh air enters each cabin separately, in other words - both the input and exhaust air are kept completely separate, in addition, there is an autonomous air conditioning system for each cabin which is not shared with other cabins.

Air conditioning for the ships’ public areas works on the same principle. The same air is not re-circulated between the ships’ public areas, but fresh, clean air is taken in from the outside and the” old” air is directed out.

The air conditioning is in use at all times, which means that the air is constantly exchanged for completely fresh air every 5-10 minutes. The minimum operational setting for taking in fresh air is set at six times per hour, however the air is exchanged for the fresh air much more frequently.

 

AIR CONDITIONING OF RESTAURANTS, SHOPS AND OTHER AREAS ONBOARD

The air conditioning of ships’ restaurants, shops and other public areas is carried out based on the same principle as in the ships’ cabins. The fresh air is taken in by the air conditioning system from the outside according to the frequent circulation cycle, meaning that the same air is not re-circulated indoors. The air-conditioning of the ship’s public areas is organised area-specifically, which means that the same incoming air that is used is then directed out from the very same area it was used in.

Under the normal conditions, there are detectors to monitor the level of CO2 in the air and run the air conditioning as needed. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the air-conditioning settings on the operational vessels are set to maximum capacity.

ARE THERE DIFFERENCES IN THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS ON OLD VS NEW VESSELS?

Tallink Grupp’s fleet includes both brand new as well as somewhat older vessels. However, all ships across the fleet are equipped with up-to-date air conditioning system and state-of-the-art technology. That means that on all ships, the air conditioning system is kept to one uniform standard and works just as effectively on each ship.

Concerning the work principle of the onboard air conditioning system, it should be noted that the exhaust air is directed out via one set of flues and the fresh air is taken in separately. Those exhaust and fresh air supply flues are located at the opposite sides of the ship, i.e. they are 10 metres apart from each other. The ships’ air conditioning system and the related equipment are regularly serviced and very carefully monitored.

To sum up - catching Coronavirus via the ships’ air conditioning system is highly unlikely. The ship’s powerful air conditioning system and air filters are taking care of that.

Read more about our safety measures on our vessels