Manufacturers play an increasing role in selecting and refitting passenger evacuation equipment

The Don Francesco, SNAV's high speed ferry operating between Naples and Isole Eolie in Italy chose to refit and double the number of evacuation systems to expand the ships capacity. VIKING Life-Saving Equipment was involved in every step of the process – from selecting the right type of system, to all the details associated with refitting.

Manufactures' increasing advisory role
To increase profitability on routes, many shipowners are choosing to expand the capacity on existing vessels. This requires increasing the capacity of life-saving equipment on board – either by adding to existing systems or replacing with another type.

SOLAS, flag state and regulatory bodies stipulate specific requirements for passenger evacuation systems, including evacuee access to the systems, placement in relation to fire compartments and positioning on a flat ship side, etc. Refitting new systems to fulfil regulations is a complex operation, which requires extensive knowledge and experience. Therefore the naval architects at equipment manufacturers are increasingly being relied upon for their expert knowledge.

Advice from the world's leading supplier of life-saving equipment
When SNAV increased the passenger capacity on the Don Francesco from 450 to 670 passengers, they turned to our agent in Italy Adianaval and the naval architects at VIKING, to design the optimal solution. VIKING is the only manufacturer that provides an entire range of evacuations systems to suit almost any type of vessel and can provide the expertise needed via en accumulated knowledge from decades of installations of all types.

Balancing function and design
Experts from VIKING worked with SNAV to solve issues related to the system selection and interior refitting. The Don Francesco’s older existing systems were replaced. Four VIKING Evacuation MiniChute (VEMC) systems were selected as the most suitable and not least cost-effective solution.

The 4 new systems were installed in new locations to fulfil regulations such as evacuee access. VIKING’s naval architects assisted with designing the relocation of some of the related fixtures such as embarkation points, seating and exterior elements.

Exterior design was an important issue to retain the vessel’s balanced symmetry. Careful thought was made to the placement of the 4 MiniChute systems and additional throw overboard liferafts to remain sympathetic with the ship’s design. The systems were deliberately installed on the dark painted window belt with special dark coloured covers for discretion.

SNAV, VIKING and Adrianaval worked in close cooperation for several months and are all pleased with the result.

Technical details:
Company: SNAV


Vessel name: Don Francesco (ex. "Solidor 5")
Vessel type: RO-RO passenger High Speed Craft
Flag: Italy
Home port: Naples
Engaged on route: Naples - Isole Eolie
Yard: Fjellstrand AS, Norway
Built: 2000
VIKING supply: 4 x VIKING VEMC (VIKING Evacuation MiniChute)
(system with 1x101 person liferaft, B-pack)
Additional VIKING 100DKS (101 person) as drop down
liferafts
VIKING delivery: February 2007
VIKING function test: March 2007
Converted by yard: March 2007
No. of passengers: upgraded to 670
No. of total persons on board: upgraded to 708