Fire Pumps
DESMI fire pumps deliver reliable, high-pressure performance for critical fire protection systems across marine, offshore and defence environments. Designed for rapid response, durability and compliance with international standards, these pumps ensure full operational readiness when safety and mission reliability matter most. Whether installed aboard naval vessels, offshore platforms or industrial facilities, DESMI’s fire pump solutions provide dependable water flow and pressure to protect crew, assets and installations from fire hazards
Fire pumps for reliable fire protection systems
Fire pumps are the heart of any fire suppression system, supplying sufficient pressure and flow to hydrants, sprinklers or foam monitors. DESMI designs and manufactures advanced fire pump systems capable of operating with seawater or fresh water, engineered to withstand the most demanding conditions. With extensive references across global marine and defence projects.
DESMI fire pumps are recognised for reliability, longevity and minimal maintenance requirements. The result is a proven solution that supports safety compliance, operational efficiency and reduced total cost of ownership. Learn more about our DES-1 emergency diesel-driven fire pump for marine and offshore applications.
What is a fire pump and how does it work?
A fire pump is a high-pressure pumping unit designed to deliver water or fire-fighting agents through fixed protection systems such as sprinklers, deluge sets or hydrant lines. It works by increasing the pressure of water drawn from a storage tank, seawater intake or municipal supply to ensure fast, effective fire suppression even when the available water pressure is too low for system requirements.
Typically producing pressures between 100 and 250 psi, a fire pump maintains a controlled, continuous flow under high demand. Systems often include a jockey pump that sustains line pressure during standby, ensuring instant activation when a fire is detected. In marine and defence installations, this reliability prevents downtime and safeguards lives and critical equipment under extreme operational conditions.
When is a fire pump required in marine and industrial operations?
A fire pump is required wherever standard water pressure cannot meet the demands of fixed fire suppression systems. In marine contexts, SOLAS and IACS regulations mandate the use of independent fire pumps on ships, naval vessels and offshore structures to ensure that fire protection functions even during power loss or system damage.
Defence standards further specify pump redundancy and shock-tested performance for combat and auxiliary ships. In industrial plants and refineries, national codes such as NFPA require fire pumps in facilities storing flammable materials or operating with large, distributed fire suppression networks. These systems guarantee the necessary flow and response time essential for personnel safety and asset protection - supported by DESMI's proven FineFog fire-fighting system technology.
Key benefits of DESMI fire pump solutions
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Proven reliability: Engineered for continuous readiness and resistance to harsh marine environments.
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Rapid start-up: Designed to reach full operating capacity typically within 30 seconds of activation.
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Corrosion-resistant design: Compatible with seawater and aggressive fluids, minimising maintenance cycles.
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Energy efficiency: High hydraulic efficiency reduces power consumption and operational cost.
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Flexible integration: Customised pump configurations to fit vessel or site-specific constraints.
These advantages make DESMI a preferred partner for naval, offshore and industrial fire safety systems worldwide.
Design and technical features for maximum performance
DESMI fire pumps are available in both vertical in-line and horizontal configurations, driven by either electric motors or diesel engines for redundancy. Pump casings are typically made from materials such as cast iron, bronze, NiAlBz or Super Duplex stainless steel, ensuring corrosion protection and structural integrity under high pressure. Flow capacities range from small auxiliary units for compartment fire protection to high-flow systems exceeding 2,000 m³/h for large vessels and industrial sites.
Optional jockey and priming pumps maintain system pressure, while advanced impeller geometry secures low NPSH requirements and vibration-free operation. Intelligent controllers and starter panels enable automatic start-up in response to system demand, optimising performance and safety. Explore additional solutions such as the mobile fire and emergency pumps for flexible deployment.
Applications across marine, offshore and defence sectors
DESMI fire pumps serve multiple roles across critical sectors:
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Marine: Fire-fighting on cargo ships, tankers, cruise vessels and ferries; protection of engine rooms, accommodation areas and decks.
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Offshore: Integration into platform deluge systems, foam injection sets and water mist networks.
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Defence: Installed on naval frigates, patrol vessels and helicopter rigs for seawater- or foam-based fire-fighting systems, often with emergency bilge capability.
Compact footprint and operational redundancy make these solutions ideal for space-constrained installations and environments requiring immediate response under extreme conditions.
Compliance, standards and certifications
DESMI fire pumps are available in designs tested to meet a wide range of international and defence specifications. These include compliance with SOLAS Chapter II-2 fire protection requirements, IMO MSC resolutions and NFPA system design principles. Defence variants can be supplied in accordance with UK MoD standards, MIL
specifications or classification rules from IACS members such as ABS, DNV and Lloyd’s Register. Certain models are designed to meet naval shock and vibration criteria and can be specified for low magnetic signature or fire-fighting foam compatibility. All manufacturing adheres to ISO-certified quality systems to ensure consistent performance and traceable documentation.
Proven Global Installations and Project References
DESMI shock rated pumps have been supplied for numerous naval programmes across Europe and allied fleets, including ship classes for the UK Royal Navy and other NATO customers. The pumps have demonstrated stable operation after shock testing and real-world deployments, confirming reliability in scenarios such as engine room cooling systems, firefighting and fuel delivery under combat readiness standards. These references testify to DESMI’s capability to produce pumps that comply with strict defence procurement criteria and to provide long-term operational security in critical marine systems.
