A leading HVAC supplier can provide pleasant conditions for the entire ship. Koja Marine air conditioning systems improve energy efficiency and passenger comfort. You can trust our HVAC system design, production and commissioning throughout the ships life cycle. We control all conditions on board.
Property sustainability and productivity rise with the same tide. Wave Solution reduces the amount of purchased energy by up to 70% and ensures the well-being of property users.
Koja has delivered reliable and efficient fan solutions since 1935. Our reliable process fans are also energy- efficient – even in demanding processes. Nearly 50,000 fans have been delivered all over the world.
Koja has developed a patented ventilation technology that revolutionizes the efficiency of cabin air conditioning on ships, while ensuring passenger comfort. OBV® (Occupancy-Based Ventilation, EP3591302B1) automatically adjusts ventilation based on actual occupancy – adapting in real time to whether the cabin is in use or not.
OBV® Takes Energy-Saving Potential to a New Level
As the emission reduction requirements of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) become stricter, the importance of energy efficiency is further emphasized. Air conditioning accounts for a significant share of a ship’s total electricity consumption – up to 24% – making it an obvious area to target for savings.
"We have been a trusted supplier of high-quality air conditioning equipment and systems for several decades. With the new OBV® technology, the savings potential has moved to an entirely new level", says Vesa Aalto, Director of Koja Marine.
By utilising real-time occupancy detection, up to 60% of the electricity consumption from cabin area air conditioning can be reduced, which corresponds to as much as 4% of the ship’s total electricity consumption.
"With the OBV® system, we can save up to 52 tankers’ worth of fuel annually on a large cruise ship – without compromising passenger comfort", Aalto adds.
Patented OBV® Leverages Real-Time Occupancy Data
OBV® is an intelligent, occupancy-based ventilation solution for passenger areas on ships. This innovation supports sustainable shipbuilding by combining energy efficiency, passenger comfort, and digital intelligence.
The solution uses data from cabin conditions – such as temperature, humidity, CO₂ levels, and occupancy – and optimizes ventilation needs through automation. When the cabin is unoccupied, ventilation can even be completely shut off, without compromising indoor-air quality.
"The cabin air conditioning unit automatically maintains the desired temperature. When the cabin is empty, the fresh air supply is intelligently limited based on various parameters. When occupied, the fresh air supply is adjusted according to need", explains Jere Vähämäki, Business Area Manager at Koja Marine.
OBV® is protected by an international patent (EP3591302B1), covering automatic control and energy-saving logic. The technology has been developed and tested in Finland and is ready for international deployment.
Proven Energy Savings of Up to 60% in Cabin Air Conditioning
OBV® has been tested in real cruise conditions, and the results speak for themselves. In a pilot project, OBV® was implemented in passenger cabins on a cruise ship operating in Europe, with comparative measurement data collected before and after system installation.
The pilot project achieved up to 60% energy savings in cabin area air conditioning. This translates into tangible savings for shipping companies – not just in kilowatts, but in euros.
"The results of the pilot project exceeded even our own expectations and clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of occupancy-based ventilation. The system regulates airflow in real time, delivering significant energy savings while ensuring cabin comfort. We believe this innovation sets new standards for future cabins", says Vähämäki.
The powerful technology has attracted widespread interest among shipping companies.
"OBV® is a concrete example of how smart automation can deliver both environmental and economic benefits. Real-time adjustment brings adaptability, and the patent guarantees the uniqueness of the technology", Vähämäki adds.
Scalable OBV® suits various applications
The OBV® system is designed to meet today’s sustainability requirements. Thanks to its scalability, the solution is suitable for both new and existing sites.
In addition to ships, the OBV® system also works excellently in buildings such as hotels and office spaces.
"Ships are essentially floating hotels. Although the OBV® system was developed for marine environments, it functions in exactly the same way in buildings", Vähämäki explains.
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Want to learn more about the OBV® system? Contact Us!
Vesa Aalto, Director, Marine, Koja Oy
Tel. +358 40 767 7763, vesa.aalto@koja.fi
Koja Group, a Finnish family-owned company, provides intelligent and energy-efficient air handling solutions for buildings and ships, as well as fan solutions for industry. We deliver innovative technology solutions efficiently and safely, aiming to help our customers achieve their own energy and environmental goals.
The 90-year-old group includes the parent company Koja-Yhtiöt Oy, Koja Oy, and Chiller Oy, along with their subsidiaries and operations in Finland, Sweden, and the USA.
