Container ships are the backbone of global trade, transporting millions of TEUs across oceans yearly. Behind each vessel’s seamless operation lies a complex network of piping systems—ballast transfer, bilge, cooling water, fuel oil, fire-fighting, compressed air, and more. At the heart of these systems are valves, which regulate, isolate, or control the flow of liquids and gases essential for safe and efficient ship operations.

As a Singapore-based marine and industrial valve stockist, Aik Soon Hardware supplies the valves that ship owners, shipyards, and marine engineers rely on. In this article, we explore the most common valve types found on container ships, including their descriptions, applications, materials, and selection criteria—plus where exactly they are located onboard.

1. Gate Valves

Description

Gate valves use a vertical gate/disc to fully open or fully stop flow. They are preferred for isolation rather than throttling.

Where Found on Container Ships

✔ Ballast pumping lines
✔ Fire main isolation sections
✔ Sea chest isolation
✔ General engine room pipelines
✔ Fuel oil transfer systems

Use Case

• Ideal for systems requiring full flow or complete shutoff

• Suitable for high-pressure, high-temperature services

How to Select

• Choose a rising-stem gate valve for easier visual position indication

• Non-rising stem for confined spaces

• Confirm compatibility with line pressure and fluid temperature

Common Materials

• Bronze / Brass: seawater service

• Cast steel: high-pressure engine room lines

• Stainless steel: corrosive or chemical cargo systems

2. Globe Valves

Description

Globe valves control flow by moving a plug over a seat. They provide excellent throttling accuracy.

Where Found on Container Ships

✔ Cooling water systems
✔ Boiler feedwater lines
✔ Lubrication oil cooling circuits
✔ Fuel oil heater bypass lines
✔ Auxiliary machinery service lines

Use Case

• Great for regulating or modulating flow

• Used where precise flow control is essential

How to Select

• Choose angle-type globe valves for space-constrained or 90° pipe layouts

• Verify pressure drop impact

Common Materials

• Cast steel

• Bronze

• Stainless steel for corrosive media

3. Ball Valves

Description

Ball valves use a rotating perforated ball that enables quick shutoff with low torque—favored for tight sealing and fast action.

Where Found on Container Ships

✔ Fuel oil service lines
✔ Hydraulic systems
✔ Cooling water lines
✔ Compressed air systems
✔ Bilge pump lines
✔ Container-ship scrubber systems (if fitted)

Use Case

• Ideal for quick shutoff situations

• Suitable for viscous liquids and clean media

How to Select

• Full-port valves for minimal flow restriction

• 3-way ball valves for diverting flows

Common Materials

• Stainless steel (widely used for durability)

• Carbon steel for high-pressure fuel oil lines

4. Butterfly Valves

Description

Lightweight quarter-turn valves with a rotating disc—ideal for large-diameter pipes.

Where Found on Container Ships

✔ Ballast water distribution
✔ Fire main network
✔ HVAC sea water cooling systems
✔ Sewage treatment plant lines
✔ Large seawater intake lines

Use Case

• Used for low-pressure, large-volume flow

• Easy to operate and maintain

How to Select

• Lug type for semi-permanent installation

• Wafer type for compact, cost-efficient installation

Common Materials

• Ductile iron with epoxy coating (ballast and seawater)

• Stainless steel (corrosive cargo or chemical exposure)

• Rubber-lined discs for extended marine durability

5. Check Valves

Description

Check valves allow one-way flow and prevent reverse flow—critical for protecting pumps and equipment.

Where Found on Container Ships

✔ Bilge pump discharge lines
✔ Fire pump lines
✔ Ballast system pump discharge
✔ Cooling water lines
✔ Fuel and lube oil transfer systems

Use Case

• Prevents backflow that may damage pumps

• Essential for safety-critical lines

How to Select

• Swing type for low-pressure water lines

• Spring-loaded or piston type for clean oil or compressed air

Common Materials

• Bronze (traditional marine service)

• Stainless steel for higher temperature or chemical applications

6. Strainers (Technically not valves, but always paired with them)

Description

Strainers remove debris from pipelines, protecting valves and pumps.

Where Found on Container Ships

✔ Sea chest intake lines
✔ Fire main
✔ Cooling water systems
✔ Ballast systems
✔ Fuel oil systems

Use Case

• Required in seawater intake to prevent clogging

• Essential for maintaining pump and valve longevity

Materials

• Bronze

• Cast steel

• Duplex stainless steel (high corrosion resistance)

Valve Material Selection for Marine Environments

How to Select Valves for Container Ships

1. Understand Fluid Type

   • Is it seawater, fuel, air, steam, or chemicals?

2. Check Operating Pressure & Temperature

   • Engine room lines differ from deck piping.

3. Consider Maintenance Requirements

   • Ball valves for quick replacement

   • Butterfly valves for large piping

4. Assess Space Constraints

   • Butterfly and ball valves are compact

   • Globe valves need more space

5. Compliance with Classification Societies

   • ABS, LR, DNV, BV standards

Conclusion

Valves play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of container ships. By understanding the functions, materials, and locations of common marine valves, ship operators and procurement teams can make better purchasing decisions—reducing downtime and improving vessel performance.

As a trusted Singapore-based supplier, Aik Soon Hardware provides marine-grade valves that meet the rigorous demands of shipyards, ship owners, and marine engineers. Whether you're servicing a main engine cooling system or replacing ballast line valves, our team can support you with quality, compliance, and fast delivery.