Bigger ships call for innovative evacuation solutions

Marine evacuation – the growing safety challenge
Cruise ships are getting larger. The new super liners currently being built or on the drawing board will soon be carrying upwards of 5, 6 and even 7000 passengers. More than double the size of normal large cruise liners that carry around 2000, they present a new safety challenge.

When designing a ship of this magnitude, and safeguarding lives at sea is a critical factor. SOLAS regulations are detailed and precise about safety standards, and since the tragedy of the Titanic, the IMO has been constantly striving to tighten safety standards in an industry that has changed dramatically in size since 1913.

“SOLAS rules that a vessel must be able to evacuate completely within 30 minutes. That’s no mean feat for a vessel with 7000 souls on board.“ says Niels Frænde, Global Sales Manager for the passenger segment with VIKING LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT, the world’s largest supplier of maritime evacuation systems.

“VIKING has supplied mass evacuation systems to the largest of super liners and designs systems that safely and rapidly evacuate all on board within the required 30 minutes – no matter what the design of the ship.”

With more than 45 years experience in maritime life-saving equipment, VIKING has the knowledge and know-how that only a combination of experienced naval architects and designers coupled with almost half a century of experience and feedback in the field can give.

“Our engineers are chosen specifically for their background and ability in the maritime industry. We have naval architects that give ballast to our many decades of experience – giving us the ultimate design team.“

VIKING systems are tried and tested for capacity and stability in conditions at least matching, but often well above, those required for certification.

It’s also a question of discretion
Deck space and sea view are important factors when designing a vessel and the safety equipment on board. Space is a premium and evacuation equipment needs to be not just compact but also discreet.

“Our systems are designed to be just that. Mass evacuation systems by VIKING are compact and can be either fitted into the ship’s side, between decks or free standing. Additional liferafts can be placed almost anywhere on board – even in otherwise inaccessible areas – and remote released. Davit launched liferafts, an alternative to mass evacuation systems, are also designed to be as compact and discreet as possible.

VIKING systems are designed to be discreet, take up the minimum amount of space and yet be quick and simple to ready for evacuation.”

VIKING is an innovator in maritime safety and partner in safety right from the vessel’s design stage. Their reliable and trusted designs have made them a clear market leader in maritime life-saving equipment for cruise, passenger and ro-ro vessels.