VIKING Life-Saving Equipment has unveiled its innovative marine evacuation system (MES), the VIKING Helix, designed to enhance passenger safety and operational efficiency for cruise ships and ferries. This advanced system can accommodate 4-8 evacuees simultaneously on a helix-type slide and features a unique bowsing mechanism that keeps life rafts stable with minimal crew involvement. This allows for the controlled evacuation of up to 477 individuals into 153-person life rafts in as little as 30 minutes, facilitating the simultaneous evacuation of families and even injured passengers on stretchers.
Alex Kristensen, VP of Cruise & Ferry at VIKING, emphasized that the Helix is engineered for speed and technical efficiency. The controlled descent means evacuees require less assistance when transitioning from the slide to the life rafts. Certified by DNV, this system is adaptable to various vessel configurations, excelling in larger ferries and small to mid-sized cruise ships. The installation process is simplified, as it requires no welding and can be applied to new builds or retrofits at heights ranging from 5 to 23 meters.
The VIKING Helix incorporates a patent-pending bowsing system for heights up to 12 meters, automatically adjusting to maintain safety and operational effectiveness. This innovation reduces the need for regular maintenance and allows for efficient operations, even in adverse conditions. Extensive testing, both in controlled environments and at sea, has demonstrated the slide’s reliability amidst challenging weather, contributing to its robust performance.
Designed with minimal operational disruption in mind, the Helix requires service only once every 30 months at authorized stations. The system’s components are conveniently housed in a compact GRP frame, enabling easy removal and replacement during short port stays, ensuring operational readiness and compliance with safety standards.
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