| Company | Holland America Line |
| Location | Worldwide Aboard Cruise Ships |
| Timeline | 2000-present |
| Project Overview | MIDEL 7131 has supported Holland America Line’s fleet for over two decades, delivering reliable, fire-safe power for propulsion and onboard systems across global voyages. |
| Product | Midel 7131 Synthetic Ester Transformer Fluid |
When transformers are deployed in, on, or near water, performance, safety, and environmental protection all become critical. From offshore wind and ships to subsea infrastructure, these environments demand fluids that can handle harsh conditions without compromising safety.
MIDEL 7131 has proven itself in these demanding settings, offering a reliable alternative to mineral oil. Its high fire point (above 300°C), excellent thermal stability, and biodegradable properties make it particularly well suited for marine applications. These benefits are essential in confined spaces like ships, where fire risk must be tightly controlled and equipment must operate efficiently within limited space.
This is why organisations with the highest safety standards, including the Royal Navy and US Navy, specify MIDEL 7131. Its ability to support compact transformer designs, tolerate moisture, and perform reliably at elevated temperatures makes it a trusted choice for critical marine systems.
A clear example of this in action is within the fleet of Holland America Line (HAL).
Running a cruise ship is like running a small city at sea—but with far greater risks if something goes wrong. HAL faced several critical challenges:
Non-stop operation: Ships must operate continuously, often far from help
Critical propulsion systems: Transformer failure could lead to loss of movement, leaving a vessel stranded
High safety standards: Thousands of passengers onboard demand the highest levels of fire safety
Heavy power demand: Energy is needed not only for propulsion but also for lighting, catering, entertainment, and comfort
Ongoing maintenance needs: Critical transformers require regular health monitoring to ensure reliability
This meant HAL needed not just a high-performance transformer fluid, but also long-term support to help monitor and maintain system health.
MIDEL 7131 was selected as the dielectric fluid for transformers across the fleet, supporting both propulsion and onboard power distribution systems.
High-power transformers (up to 16MVA, 11kV) drive propulsion by transferring energy from diesel generators to ABB Azipod units
Smaller transformers (down to 4.4MVA) manage onboard distribution, powering all passenger and operational services
To ensure continued performance, HAL carries out regular health checks on all MIDEL-filled transformers—a total of 46 units across the fleet.
M&I Materials plays an active role in supporting these checks by:
Providing expert guidance on Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA)
Interpreting fluid condition results
Working closely with ABB Monselice, the transformer manufacturer, to deliver clear feedback and recommendations
This ongoing collaboration ensures that HAL always has a clear picture of transformer health and performance.
The use of MIDEL 7131, combined with continuous monitoring and expert support, delivers key advantages:
Enhanced Fire Safety: Reduced fire risk protects passengers, crew, and assets
Proven Reliability: Continuous performance in demanding marine environments
Operational Confidence: Critical propulsion systems remain dependable at all times
Predictive Maintenance: Regular fluid analysis helps detect potential issues early
Expert Support Network: Collaboration between HAL, M&I Materials, and ABB ensures informed decision-making
Versatility: Suitable for both propulsion and onboard distribution needs
Over more than two decades of operation, MIDEL 7131 has delivered consistent, dependable performance across HAL’s fleet.
No major issues have been reported with the fluid
Transformers continue to operate reliably under demanding marine conditions
Ships maintain uninterrupted service across global routes
Behind every successful journey is a system that simply works. MIDEL 7131 has become a key part of that reliability—quietly ensuring that power is delivered safely, efficiently, and without interruption.