The EU MED certification mark on the TST SEAL modular sealing system is not only a technological badge of “Made in China,” but also a seal of trust from the global maritime safety system for “Made in China 2025.”

The TST SEAL modular cable and pipe penetration sealing system has successfully obtained EU Marine Equipment Directive (MED) certification. This certification is a mandatory requirement for the safety of marine equipment in the EU, implemented according to EU Directive 2014/90/EU, and its stringent standards are renowned in the international maritime community.

MED certification requires products to display a steering wheel mark, which consists of the steering wheel, the notified body’s identification number, and the last two digits of the product’s manufacturing year. This mark is crucial proof that the product complies with EU maritime safety and environmental standards. This MED certification signifies that TST SEAL’s product quality and management system fully meet the most stringent EU maritime safety regulations.

MED Certification: The EU’s “Passport” for Maritime Safety

MED certification, short for Marine Equipment Directive, is a mandatory certification system established by the European Union to ensure that ships and their equipment comply with the safety and environmental standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Union. It applies to the relevant equipment on all ships operating within EU waters and ships flying the flag of EU member states.

This certification is implemented according to EU Directive 2014/90/EU, replacing the previous Directive 96/98/EC. MED certification is based on the requirements of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS Convention) and conducts relevant fire resistance tests according to the Fire Resistance Testing Procedure Code (FTP Code).

The MED certification process includes several rigorous assessment modules. Module B (EC Type Examination) requires a notified body to verify whether the product’s technical design meets the relevant requirements. Module D (Factory Inspection) involves assessing the manufacturer’s quality system to ensure its ability to continuously produce qualified products.

Furthermore, MED certification requires a series of rigorous fire resistance tests, including non-flammability tests, smoke and toxicity tests, and fire resistance separation tests, to ensure the product’s safety and reliability under extreme conditions. Technological Breakthrough: Comprehensive Innovation from Materials to Design

The key to TST SEAL’s modular perforation sealing system obtaining MED certification lies in its technological innovation and superior performance. The system utilizes high-performance materials such as EPDM rubber and 316 stainless steel, possessing characteristics such as non-toxicity, flame retardancy, low smoke, and corrosion resistance.

In terms of structural design, TST SEAL introduces variable diameter technology and a modular architecture, with a single module capable of covering cables or pipes from Φ3-98mm. This “plug-and-play” design significantly improves installation efficiency, saving 80% of labor time compared to traditional sealing solutions.

In extremely harsh marine environments, safety and reliability are paramount. TST SEAL’s modular perforation sealing system provides a comprehensive solution integrating fire resistance (compliant with FTP Code A-60 standards), explosion protection (Ex d IIC Gb/Gc certification), watertightness, airtightness, and electromagnetic shielding. It not only effectively retards flames and prevents explosions, but also passed high-standard random vibration and shock tests, ensuring an extremely low leakage rate (<0.01mL/min) under severe operating conditions. This comprehensively guarantees the safe and stable operation of critical ship equipment and wiring, meeting the ultimate safety requirements of modern high-end ships.

Certification Matrix: A Global Market Passport System

MED certification is a crucial component of TST SEAL’s global certification matrix. Previously, TST SEAL had obtained certifications from five classification societies: China (CCS), the United States (ABS), Russia (RS), France (BV), and Italy (RINA). This comprehensive certification system makes TST SEAL one of the very few companies in China to simultaneously possess certifications from major global classification societies. Different classification society certifications have different focuses; for example, RINA certification enjoys high recognition in the European and Mediterranean markets, and is particularly influential in the high-end ship market.

The acquisition of MED certification enables TST SEAL to establish a certification network covering major global shipbuilding markets. It is worth noting that TST SEAL is the only domestic supplier of sealing systems to have obtained the highest level of certification in four major fields: marine (FTP Code A-60 standard), construction (GB23864-3h), rail transportation (EN45545-2-HL3), and power (E150).

This comprehensive certification capability provides the company with a unique advantage in cross-industry solutions, enabling its products to be applied in various fields, from high-end ships to nuclear power plants, from subway tunnels to super high-rise buildings.

Market Impact: Reshaping the Global Competitive Landscape

As a major global shipbuilding nation, China accounts for approximately 40% of the world’s new shipbuilding volume annually, but has long relied on imports for high-end ship equipment.

TST SEAL’s successful achievement of import substitution through EU MED certification marks the formal entry of Chinese high-end sealing systems into the mainstream international market. Its modular sealing systems have been widely used in international high-end projects such as large cruise ships and LNG carriers, fully demonstrating the technological strength and reliability of Chinese manufacturing in the global maritime field. Building on this foundation, TST SEAL is further expanding its business into emerging markets such as offshore wind power and marine engineering. These fields place extremely stringent demands on the performance of sealing systems in harsh marine environments. TST SEAL systems have been successfully applied in representative projects such as the Zhangpu Liu’ao Phase II offshore substation and the Three Gorges Yangjiang Shaba project, demonstrating their comprehensive competitiveness in diverse scenarios.

The global marine engineering market is undergoing a green and low-carbon transformation. While small, translucent sealing systems are crucial components ensuring the safe and environmentally friendly operation of ships. For Chinese customers, TST SEAL technology offers a new option that balances safety and cost. Leveraging its localized production advantages, TST SEAL maintains world-class quality while achieving shorter delivery cycles and lower procurement costs, creating greater value for shipowners and shipyards.