Viking Life-Saving Equipment has obtained flag state approval for its LifeCraft system. It is the world’s first inflatable and electrically powered evacuation solution for passenger ships. One LifeCraft system can save 812 people.
The stamp of approval by the Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) means the LifeCraft is now cleared for installation on ships around the world.
Life-saving Appliance System
The solution has been approved as a novel life-saving appliance system, which reflects the dual nature of the LifeCraft system. This makes it possible to replace current lifeboat and liferaft evacuation options with a hybrid solution. It is the first time a complete evacuation solution has fallen under the novel life-saving appliance category.
‘Everyone in the industry knows that novel life-saving equipment requires strict alternative design studies and documentation that can show their superiority to existing life-saving appliances,’ says Niels Frænde, Vice President of Sales – Cruise & LifeCraft, at Viking. ‘We’ve certainly gone the distance with the new system, setting new standards for our design and testing activities throughout the process.’
Survival Craft and Launching Appliance
The LifeCraft system has a capacity to save 812 people and consists of two main elements: Inflatable Viking LifeCraft survival crafts and a fully self-contained stowage and launching appliance that can either be placed on deck or built into the ship’s side.
Every system is equipped with four survival crafts holding 203 persons each. With four independent electric engines at its corners, each survival craft is highly manoeuvrable and its ability to quickly turn 360 degrees is unmatched by conventional motor-propelled survival crafts.
Worldwide commercial availability is to be achieved in the coming months.
