VIKING Life-Saving Equipment, mentioned Wednesday it was launching an revolutionary vary of lifeboats and davits which set new requirements for compact and light-weight lifeboat-based evacuation options.
“By challenging traditional lifeboat design, the 40- and 52-person VIKING Norsafe Totally Enclosed Lifeboats (TELB) respond to a rising tide of industry demand for space- and weight-saving boats for typical crew capacities,” VIKING Life-Saving Equipment mentioned.
“Major shipbuilding clients have requested alternative concepts for vessel types – especially for Offshore Service Operation vessels (SOV) – where onboard space is at a premium and space for the lifeboat and davit installation must be optimized. VIKING’s response is the ‘VNJY’ range of lifeboats, which feature a minimal deck footprint, while optimizing capacity and serviceability. In addition, the VNJY features a shorter and wider hull than usual and incorporates an innovative forward steering position that allows for additional space on board,” VIKING mentioned.
According to VIKING, the brand new VNJY lifeboats use considerably much less supplies in manufacturing and ship decrease top and weight (as much as 400 kg lighter) and are designed to attain a diminished carbon footprint in comparison with earlier fashions. The decrease weight additionally reduces masses and the required capacities for the gravity- or hydraulic-powered davits used to launch and recuperate lifeboats.
The design is licensed by DNV to satisfy SOLAS and LSA necessities. First deliveries, due in Second Quarter 2024, will characteristic on vessels whose flag states require EU Marine Equipment Directive verification or USCG certification. On the logistics facet, two VNJY lifeboats will be shipped on a single 40 ft flat rack.
Built to final
“VIKING Norsafe lifeboats are constructed to final, which is one motive we’ve taken a lot care over what is actually a step change for lifeboat design after over 20 years of steady orders for our widespread JYN vary,” says Thomas Thompson, VIKING Technical Director, Boats & Davits. “Some customers will continue to prefer designs that have served them so well, but VNJY lifeboats offer the space-saving, lightweight solution others have been hoping for. Operators will also appreciate the way the steering position improves visibility, and the stability gains brought by extra width.”
According to VIKING, manufactured in a modular design, the VNJY is straightforward to adapt to new sizes and requires diminished upkeep efforts.
Serviceability, the corporate says, has been additional enhanced by the good placement of engines and the hydrostatic launch for on-load launch hooks. For boats put in the place hydrocarbons are current and hearth safety is critical, the brand new vary will come full with a compressed air system and exterior seawater deluge.
“The extensive work VIKING has completed to optimise the new lifeboat range is based on the years of experience available to our team of naval architects and boat-builders, from preliminary design to full prototype testing,” Thompson concludes.
