'This is a product that completely changes the lifeboat versus liferaft discussion - at least when it comes to high-capacity evacuation systems,' says VIKING director Niels Fraende.
'The VIKING LifeCraft system enables rapid, mass evacuation with maximum safety for passengers and crew,' he adds.The concept was presented to the International Maritime Organization’s Sub-Committee on Ships Systems and Equipment in London last year, with the full support of the Danish Maritime Authority. VIKING Life-Saving Equipment aims to secure the first approvals from flag states this year.
The system consists of two main elements: The LifeCraft survival craft – a self- propelled inflatable vessel with four engines for a high degree of maneuverability and safety; and a stowage and launching unit, either placed on deck or built in, containing up to four LifeCraft crafts with a capacity of 200 persons each - for a total capacity of 800 persons. There is a gangway for stretchers, if needed.
Other innovations displayed on the VIKING stand at Seatrade Cruise Global include a new chute system capable of evacuating the largest number of people to date in 30 seconds. The system is simple to operate and fully operational within two minutes.
VIKING Saatsea, which develops 24/7 onboard training and management systems for STCW certification, is demonstrating the newly released STCW “refresher” packages at VIKING’s stand. The system is designed to help shipowners and operators comply with the tougher demands of 2010 STCW Manilla amendments, which will come into full force on January 1, 2017.
