John Kristian Pedersen
Vice President DESMI Group, Director Marine
Engineering reliability into marine boiler systems - decades of insight behind every drop
June 2026
In marine boiler systems, performance is never defined by a single component. It is the result of how well every element works together under pressure—literally.
At DESMI, we have spent decades refining one critical part of that equation: how water flows through high-temperature, high-pressure boiler systems. Not just supplying pumps, but continuously improving how they perform in real operating conditions.
Because in this application, efficiency is not enough. Reliability is everything.
Understanding the real demands behind boiler feed systems
Marine boiler feed water systems operate in one of the most demanding environments on board. High pressures, elevated temperatures, and continuous operation place extreme stress on both components and system design. This is where experience matters.
Our approach is built on deep hydraulic knowledge, advanced simulation tools, and continuous feedback from vessels in operation. The result is not just optimised pump performance—but balanced systems that reduce wear, minimise energy consumption, and extend service intervals.
To support reliable operation in demanding marine environments, DESMI boiler pump solutions are developed with focus on durability, flexibility, and lifecycle efficiency:
- Robust wet-end materials, including ductile cast iron and cast stainless-steel alloys, ensure reliable performance and long service life under demanding boiler water conditions.
- Products are designed, assembled, and tested specifically for marine boiler applications in accordance with marine class requirements and witness inspection programmes.
- A modular standardisation philosophy enables spare parts sharing across multiple engine room pump applications, helping reduce onboard spare part inventory and overall operational costs.
- Magnetic drive coupling solutions are available as an alternative to conventional mechanical shaft seals, reducing maintenance requirements and minimising the risk of leakage.
- Both vertical and horizontal installation configurations are available, enabling flexible integration into engine room layouts where space optimisation is critical.
Boiler Feed Pump
Designed around application – not just specifications
Every DESMI boiler pump solution is engineered with the application in mind.
For high-pressure feed systems, multistage centrifugal pumps are designed to handle demanding discharge pressures while maintaining compact footprints and stable operation. Hydraulic optimisation across stages ensures high efficiency while keeping NPSH requirements low—critical for safe and reliable operation at sea.
For medium-pressure applications, simplified two-stage designs strike a careful balance between performance and cost efficiency. By reducing mechanical stress and optimising internal flow paths, these pumps ensure steady operation and long component lifetime.
And for circulation systems, where temperature becomes the defining factor, specialised high-temperature pump designs protect critical components from thermal stress while maintaining consistent flow.
Across all variants, the principle remains the same: design follows real operating conditions—not theoretical performance curves.
Where engineering detail makes the difference
The true value of experience is often found in the details.
From volute design improvements that increase hydraulic efficiency, to balancing mechanisms that reduce axial loads, each element is carefully engineered to improve overall system stability.
Features such as:
- Optimised flow paths to reduce internal losses
- Advanced bearing and sealing solutions for longer lifetime
- Modular constructions enabling faster maintenance
- Designs that allow service without disturbing pipework
All contribute to one outcome: reliable operation under pressure.
Reducing lifecycle impact through smarter design
In marine operations, downtime is costly—and often avoidable.
By focusing on durability, serviceability, and efficiency from the design stage, DESMI solutions help operators reduce total lifecycle costs. Longer maintenance intervals, easier servicing, and stable performance all translate into improved operational uptime.
It’s not just about keeping systems running. It’s about keeping them running optimally, year after year.
More than pumps – a partner in performance
At DESMI, we see ourselves as more than a pump supplier. We are a partner to shipowners, yards, and system designers—bringing application knowledge, engineering expertise, and a deep understanding of fluid dynamics into every solution. Because when boiler systems perform as they should, the entire vessel benefits.
