engineroom

An engineroom, or engine room, is a dedicated compartment in ships, submarines, and some large buildings that houses propulsion and power generation machinery as well as related systems.

In ships, the engineroom contains the main propulsion engine or gas turbine, reduction gear, and often auxiliary engines such as generators, starting air compressors, pumps, and boilers. It houses the cooling and lubrication systems, fuel oil and lubricating oil services, exhaust piping, and ventilation systems. It includes control panels, instrumentation, alarm and monitoring equipment, and sometimes fire suppression controls. The space is designed for accessibility, sound and heat management, and safety, with bulkheads, dampers, and emergency stopping devices. Access is typically restricted, with robust ventilation and fire protection.

In terms of design, enginerooms are usually located toward the stern or midship and are separated from accommodations by watertight and fire-rated boundaries. They may include a shaft tunnel, bilge systems, and drains to manage water intrusion. On ships with multiple machinery spaces, layouts follow classification society rules and vessel type.

On land or in some vessels, the term engineroom is used more broadly for mechanical rooms housing engines, generators, or other large machinery; building codes may refer to it as a mechanical room or plant room.