müller co-ax to showcase valve technology for alternative fuels and maritime applications

Alternative fuels, stringent safety requirements, and limited installation spaces are changing the technical systems on board. At SMM 2026 in Hamburg, müller co-ax gmbh will present valve solutions for demanding applications in shipbuilding and the maritime industry.

The international maritime industry will meet at SMM in Hamburg from September 1–4, 2026. müller co-ax gmbh will present valve technology for conventional and alternative propulsion systems as well as for safety-critical applications.

The transformation of the shipping industry is resulting in new technical challenges for shipyards, system manufacturers, and operators. Emissions must be reduced, energy consumption lowered, and alternative fuels integrated into existing or new ship systems. Valves perform key functions in fuel systems, gas control sections, cooling and hydraulic circuits as well as in water and compressed air treatment.

For these applications, müller coax offers a broad range of coaxial valves, high-pressure valves, and application-specific shut-off valves for safety-relevant functions. The solutions are used, among other things, in ship engines, LNG systems, stabilization systems, gas control sections, and supply systems.

Compact valves for harsh conditions at sea

Marine applications place high demands on materials, seals, and actuators. Salty air, splashing water, vibrations, pressure fluctuations, and changing temperatures put continuous stress on the components. At the same time, there is often only limited installation space available on board.

The coaxial design offers structural advantages under these conditions. The drive is arranged along the valve axis and compactly integrated into the body. The pressure-balanced design enables reliable switching of liquid and gaseous media. Even at high operating pressures, the required actuating forces remain low.

“In addition to high leak-tightness and operational reliability, compact dimensions, energy efficiency, and resistance to aggressive media are becoming increasingly important,” explains Stefan Koch, Product Manager at müller co-ax gmbh. “Our valves are tailored to the medium and the respective operating conditions.” This means they can be integrated both into new builds as well as existing ship systems.”

For corrosive media and demanding environmental conditions, various material combinations, sealing materials, and protective coatings are available. Variants suitable for potentially explosive and safety-critical areas are also available. Marine-compliant versions as well as the required material, test, and acceptance documentation are coordinated on a project-specific basis with the medium, operating data, installation location, and the requirements of the respective classification society.

Alternative fuels increase the requirements

The use of LNG (gaseous), hydrogen, methanol, and ammonia increases the demands placed on valve technology. Of particular importance are consistently high tightness, suitable materials, and reliable performance under varying pressure and temperature conditions.

müller coax develops valve solutions for various areas of maritime energy supply. These include compact valves for gas control sections, shut-off valves for fuel systems, and high-pressure valves for hydrogen-based applications.

Externally actuated coaxial valves combine high flow rates with a space-saving design. Adjustable switching times enable adaptation to the respective process. Optionally available limit switches can transmit the valve position to the higher-level control system. The pressure-balanced design simultaneously reduces the control air requirement and supports economical plant operation.

Direct-acting solenoid valves are used, among other things, in ship engines, exhaust gas aftertreatment systems, podded propulsors, as well as in bilge water and ballast systems. Since they are electrically actuated, they do not require a separate compressed air supply. Short switching times enable fast and reproducible process sequences.

Solutions for new builds and retrofits

Demand for high-performance valve technology is driven by both new shipbuilding projects and the modernization of existing fleets. In retrofit projects, existing systems are adapted to reduce emissions, lower energy consumption, or integrate alternative fuels.

In new builds, specialized vessels are developed for offshore applications, maritime energy infrastructures, and new propulsion concepts. Compact valve solutions offer advantages here, as technical systems are becoming more powerful while the available installation space remains limited.

müller co-ax supports customers from the selection of suitable materials and seals through to the development of customer-specific valve solutions. The focus is on safe operation, high system availability, and reliable handling of demanding media.

Technical exchange at SMM

At SMM 2026, müller co-ax gmbh will provide information on valve solutions for alternative fuels, gas control sections, ship engines, and safety-critical supply systems. “SMM brings together key players in the maritime industry and presents a wonderful opportunity to engage with customers. Our key priorities include decarbonization, alternative fuels, and innovative technologies for greater efficiency and sustainability. The trade fair turns Hamburg into a meeting point for the international maritime industry, and we are looking forward to many technical discussions,” explains Stefan Koch, Product Manager at müller co-ax gmbh.

Company profile

müller co-ax gmbh is a leading international valve manufacturer. Since its founding in 1960, the company, which now has over 300 employees, has specialized in the development and production of coaxial valves. Innovative solutions for a wide range of media and applications are developed at the company headquarters in Forchtenberg. coax technology sets standards in demanding applications in the mechanical engineering, marine, chemical, energy, oil and gas, aerospace, and construction industries.