Vessels transferring flammable liquids at marine or inland terminals need to take precautions against potential sources of ignition while loading and unloading. Different materials (steel, sacrificial anodes, non-ferrous fittings, etc.) in an electrolyte (salt or brackish water) lead to a potential difference between ship and shore. Ship-water-pier can be regarded as a galvanic cell with low internal resistance and low voltage (of typical 200 – 700 mV).

The TIMM Marine Grounding System SEK-3 performs a safe and smart equipotential bonding line between ship and shore that prevents possible ignition sources by unintended short connections (e. g. by a metal rope or a metallic gangway) leading to balancing currents.

In addition to the recommended insulation between ship and shore an equipotential bonding line, that is only switched trough when a very low ohmic contacting is detected before, offers addition safety.