VIKING makes offshore access safer and easier

Winter rescue in the Arctic

Leading life-saving appliance supplier, VIKING Life-Saving Equipment, has developed a new evacuation system specifically designed for frozen waters and harsh arctic environments.

Rescue difficulties in winter Arctic weather
At present there is a great deal of international interest in the arctic regions, but severe winters limit rescue operations. Fog and winter ice make evacuation by helicopter unsafe and the use of free fall lifeboats impossible. In response, VIKING has modified its already proven offshore chute system to cope with the special conditions encountered when evacuating by chute directly onto a ship.

Combined winter/warm season solution
The new design incorporates a counterweight system that compensates for the heave of the vessel even in the heavy seas encountered in arctic waters. The chute is kept taut without the use of electrical power.

“The new solution uses a compensating weight integrated into the system’s container onboard the platform. The boarding platform remains deactivated and the chute is stabilised by the counterweight. Evacuees directly board the rescue vessel swiftly and safely,” said VIKING’s technical manager, Lars Bjoland.

In warmer seasons when evacuation by liferaft is possible, the innovative VIKING system functions as other standard chute systems. The boarding platform, which is deactivated for direct vessel rescue, deploys and keeps the chute taut using weights. VIKING is the only company we know of that offers a system that is stable in all climatic conditions.

Norway’s sales manager, Liudmila Velichko said “The oil and gas industry is increasing its activity in harsh Arctic waters. VIKING has successfully met new requirements for safety systems capable of operating in low temperature areas.”

Systems already on duty in the Sakhalin Fields
VIKING has delivered four SES-2C Arctic evacuation systems for installation on fixed floating platforms operating in the Sakhalin Fields. The platforms will be equipped with chutes designed to evacuate 140 people in 10 minutes to sea level, some 28 metres below.

VIKING improves access to offshore platforms and rigs
VIKING is also developing a new rectangular version of its established Selstair access system. Building on experience gained building the first circular prototype installed on the Petrojarl Varg in 1997, VIKING has modified and improved the system by significantly reducing the number of movable parts.

The new generation Selstair
The new rectangular version of Selstair has been designed to provide safe, reliable and secure access to offshore platforms. Selstair contains a collapsible staircase that can be lowered either to sea or above sea for transferral to vessel. Non-slip aluminium steps and landings, handrails and net around the staircase guarantee safe passage for all.

It will be introduced to the offshore market in the first half of 2006 after completion of field tests and design approval trials.

Safe, controlled and convenient access
Lars Bjoland said “The new VIKING Selstair is a safe, controlled and convenient method for accessing platforms and drilling rigs. The system is remotely controlled and stairs can be easily stored inside their container when not in use. This protects the system from the harsh environment and reduces maintenance to a minimum.”

Meets offshore regulations
All VIKING offshore evacuation systems are constructed according to specifications outlined in SOLAS, MODU, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate rules and NORSOK in Scandinavia, where the systems are built. Local regulations are reviewed by VIKING before delivering equipment to other parts of the world.