The Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology in Milan, the largest science and technology museum in Italy, hosts the historic Ebe schooner, a large wooden sailing vessel built in 1921 and preserved as part of the museum’s naval collection.
To assess the fire risk of this unique exhibit, the museum engaged Jensen Hughes, a global fire engineering and risk consulting firm. The assessment revealed that no fire protection system was in place for the Ebe schooner or the surrounding exhibition area.
Due to its large size and wooden structure, the vessel was highly vulnerable to fire. A potential ignition source—such as an electrical fault or vandalism—could lead to a rapidly developing fire capable of destroying the ship within 10–15 minutes, leaving insufficient time for external fire brigade intervention.
The conclusion of the study was clear: the Ebe schooner required dedicated, self-contained fire protection.
Automatic fire suppression system by Siemens: Sinorix™ high-pressure water mist
We supplied a complete fire suppression system consisting of:
Pump unit with integrated water tank – compact design with a small footprint
Section valve for wet system
Stainless steel piping
Fittings
Open nozzles (without bulbs)
Closed nozzles (with bulbs)
Open nozzles with very low water flow are used for the periodic humidification of the vessel, operated manually and not intended for fire suppression. This is required due to the wood properties of the ship, which demand controlled moisture levels for preservation. These nozzles are installed inside the vessel.
Closed nozzles are installed both inside the ship’s compartments and externally, providing automatic fire suppression.
The high-pressure water mist system is designed using a performance-based approach, ensuring that the solution is fully adapted to the specific characteristics and risks of the protected object.
Preservation with minimal impact
The Sinorix™ high-pressure water mist system controls fire using a very low quantity of water, significantly reducing the risk of damage to the historic wooden structure.
The installation is discreet and non-intrusive, preserving the visual and physical integrity of the museum exhibit.
Safety for people and assets
High-pressure waterr mist is safe for occupied environments, allowing system activation even in the presence of visitors and staff.
The solution ensures protection of both the Ebe schooner and the surrounding museum area.
Dedicated protection for heritage assets
The system is custom-designed to adapt to the geometry and materials of the vessel (“tailor-made” approach).
Dual functionality: fire suppression and controlled humidification, supporting the long-term conservation of the wooden structure.
Proven fire performance and reliability
High-pressure water mist systems are validated through full-scale fire tests, ensuring effectiveness for specific risk scenarios.
The installed nozzles are certified for marine fire suppression applications, demonstrating suitability for similar combustible environments.
Direct benefits to society and end-user
Safeguarding of a unique cultural asset for future generations
Reduced risk of irreversible heritage loss and high restoration costs
Contribution to a sustainable fire protection approach (low water consumption, minimal environmental impact)
Safe and sustainable solution
Uses clean fresh water only—no chemicals or harmful residues
Environmentally friendly and easy to manage after discharge
Safe for people, allowing operation even in occupied space
Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology Milano (End-Account)
Fire safety solution for Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology Milano - Italy
Sinorix high-pressure water mist: protection built around what matters
Fire safety solution for Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology Milano - Italy
Sinorix high-pressure water mist: protection built around what matters
