Offshore evacuation systems - when every minute counts!
Every minute counts when an offshore installation must be abandoned. Safely evacuating the maximum number of crew in the shortest amount of time is paramount and key performance indicator of any evacuation system. High capacity life-saving equipment must be easy to handle while requiring limited involvement by crew.
VIKING’s evacuation systems provide efficient evacuation, exceptional stability and are trusted by offshore crews worldwide. VIKING offers unique custom designed evacuation systems for safe, simple and reliable evacuation for all types of fixed and floating offshore installations, such as platforms, wind farm substations, FPSOs, jack-ups and semi-subs.
System components
- Container: Consists of a load bearing, welded frame which is bolted to a foundation integrated into the deck structure. It can be either in-deck mounted or cantilevered out from the deck edge.
- Evacuation chute: The fire retardant Kevlar© evacuation chute provides a simple, safe, and fast method of transferring evacuees from deck levels down to sea level. It is divided into cells with speed retarding slides running at opposite angles in a zigzag effect.
- Boarding platform: The boarding platform inflates automatically and acts as the sea reference point where evacuees can await dry-shod transfer to system liferafts or fast rescue crafts.
- Launching arrangement: Evacuation systems are deployed by opening the locking system and releasing the brake of the gravity driven winch. The simplest system is based on a free-fall chute deployed with a knife or pneumatic cutter.
- Stabilising weight: The stabilising weight deploys below the wave zone of the water. It keeps the chute taut and reduces sideways motion caused by wind and sea current.
Chute-based evacuation systems
With the widest range of evacuation chute systems, only VIKING can offer solutions for all installation types. Designed specifically to increase personal safety, our chute based evacuation systems ensure protection from the elements and a quick, safe and easy descent
to sea level. Our chute-based evacuation systems meet the standards for different operational conditions and are compatible for all types of offshore installations. With more than 500 evacuation systems installed
worldwide, VIKING can support an extensive network of locally-based servicing technicians, which means cost-effective and convenient service where and when you need it.
All VIKING offshore evacuation systems are constructed according to specifications outlined in the SOLAS regulations, LSA Code, MODU Code, NORSOK, PSA (Petroleum Safety Authority Norway) regulations, NMA regulations and more.
These are some of our custom designed offshore evacuation systems:
Offshore evacuation designed for your specific needs
The diversity within the global offshore industry requires safety solutions that are adaptable to meet individual client expectations. The offshore sector is constantly changing. New innovations for installation
types and production systems enable exploration in areas that were previously inaccessible. This development leads to a change in requirements for safety and rescue equipment.
The development of VIKING’s offshore evacuation systems will always be ahead of market demands, while maintaining compliance with national and international regulations. Our evacuation solutions can easily be configured to meet the various demands such as increased installation heights, increase in personnel weight, requirements for electrical installation and polar conditions.
VIKING SES-2A - For fixed and floating platforms
The SES-2A is specially designed for fixed and floating offshore installations and comes complete with a fire retardant chute and integrated liferafts stored inside the blast proof container. It provides a unique high capacity evacuation system for maximum evacuation heights and is also suitable for installation in production areas.
Features:
- Robust high capacity transfer system
- For fixed and floating installations
- Max. evacuation height of 81 metres
- Operating temperatures from -20°/-30° to +65°C
- Ready for cantilevered installation
- Integrated liferafts
- Blast proof container
- Max. evacuation capacity: 159 persons in 10 minutes.
- Total overall capacity: 200 persons in 11 min. and 50 sec.
VIKING SES-2A with movable frame
Provides a high capacity system with movable frame for offshore installations where all equipment must be stored within the deck of the installation. Stored hydraulic power moves the evacuation system into cantilevered position for deployment and after use retracts the system onto the deck. It comes complete with a fire retardant chute and integrated liferafts stored inside the blast proof container.
Features
- Robust high capacity transfer system
- FPSOs, fixed and floating installations
- Max. evacuation height of 64 metres
- Operating temperatures from -20ºC to +65ºC
- Flush with rig side when stowed and cantilevered when deployed
- Integrated liferafts
- Blast proof container
- Max. evacuation capacity: 159 persons in 10 minutes. Total overall capacity of 200 persons in 11 min. and 50 sec.
VIKING SES-2B - For fixed and floating platforms
The SES-2B is specially designed for fixed and floating platforms with evacuation heights up to 50 metres. It's ideal for installation in living quarter areas and comes complete with a fire retardant chute and integrated liferafts safely stored outside the container.
Features
- Compact and lightweight transfer system
- Fixed and floating installations
- Max. evacuation height of 50 metres
- Operating temperatures from -20°C to +65°C
- Integrated liferafts
- Max. evacuation capacity: 159 persons in 10 minutes. Total overall capacity 200 persons in 11 min. and 50 sec.
VIKING SES-2B with sliding frame
For offshore installations where all equipment must be stored within the deck of the installation. The system comes complete with a fire retardant chute and integrated liferafts safely stored outside the container. The hydraulic system moves the evacuation system into cantilevered position for deployment, and after use, retracts the system onto the deck.
Features
- Compact and lightweight transfer system
- For all installation types
- Max. evacuation height of 50 metres
- Operating temperatures from -20°C to +65°C
- Flush with rig side when stowed and cantilevered when deployed
- Integrated liferafts
- Max. evacuation capacity: 159 persons in 10 minutes. Total overall capacity of 200 persons in 11 min. and 50 sec.
VIKING SES-2C Arctic - For fixed installations
VIKING has developed a new evacuation system specifically designed for frozen waters and harsh arctic environments. Severe winters can limit rescue operations and winter ice makes the use of freefall lifeboats impossible. VIKING has therefore modified its already proven offshore chute system to cope with the special conditions encountered when evacuating by chute directly onto a ship.
Features
- Optional insulation of container with heaters inside
- A counterweight system automatically compensates for differences in height when the ship moves
- No power required to deploy the system
- Max. evacuation height of 43 metres
- Operating temperatures from -40°C to +65°C
- Blast proof container
- Special heat tracing to prevent freezing around critical areas
- Integrated liferafts
- Max. evacuation capacity: 140 persons within10 minutes
Selstair™ multi-purpose access system
The SelstairTM multi-purpose access system consists of a collapsible staircase that can be lowered from the platform directly to the sea or between decks to transfer personnel effectively. It features an increased safety and capacity compared to traditional methods such as conventional ladders and baskets. Also, it comes with a remote launching and rapid deployment are considerable advantages when disembarking or boarding offshore installations.
- Deck-to-deck transfer with minimum use of deck space: Selstair™ can be lowered from one deck to another making it ideal for deck-to-deck transfer. It does not take up valuable deck space that could otherwise be used for piping or general work space and is stored in a container, when not in use.
- Access security: With piracy and anti-terrorism high on the agenda, access security is essential. The Selstair™ access system only deploys with the corresponding remote control and it is therefore a secure and optimal solution for unmanned platforms with restricted access.
- Deployment: The system is deployed by gravity alone. Electrical power is only needed for retrieval. Non-slip aluminium steps and landings, handrails and safety net around the staircase enable safe passage for all.
- Easy maintenance and service: Stairs are stored inside the container when not in use, which protects the system from the harsh environment and keeps maintenance at a minimum.
- Maintenance and repair: The Selstair™ allows for safe deployment and access to every part of the platform including areas that have otherwise been considered dangerous for maintenance personnel. All components of the system are stored inside a container that is easily moved from one place to another.
VENOC - High capacity evacuation system for FPSOs, drillships and special purpose offshore vessels
VENOC is the most flexible evacuation chute system available for vessels today. It can be used at evacuation heights between 5-40 metres and has an evacuation capacity of up to 200 persons.
Specially designed for ship-shaped offshore installations
The VENOC evacuation system is installed on the open deck or between decks (bolted to the installation deck). A hydraulic arrangement tilts the evacuation system into position for deployment. The main self-righting liferaft is connected to the buoyancy device and inflates automatically at sea level – making it simple to board. No bowsing lines or welded connection points on the ship’s side are necessary.
Special features
- Compact and “one go” system
- FPSOs, drillships, special purpose offshore vessels, wind turbine ships, and installations
- No bowsing lines or welded connection points on ship’s side
- Deploys at 18 trim and 20 list conditions
- Excess chute rings are simply stacked in the buoyancy device
- Operating temperatures from -20°C to +65°C
- Flush with ship side when stowed and cantilevered when deployed
- Integrated 50 or 100 person self-righting liferafts
- Optional steering line to guide direction of main liferaft
- Max. evacuation capacity: 125 persons within 10 minutes
- Additional drop liferaft (optional) increases capacity
- MED and Type Approval Certified according to the SOLAS Regulations and the LSA Code. EU wheel marked. USCG-EU MRA
- Certified by: Lloyd’s Register