b'MEMBER NEWSNew Ferries to Install Viking LifeCraft SystemV ikingLifeCraftsystemisboundforoverall rescue capability of the ferries, becauseThefirstofthetwoferriesisexpectedto installation on its first series of newit has the additional feature of being able to res- assume full scale operation across the Cook build vessels. The system will serve ascue people from the water if an incident occursStrait in late 2025, with the second ship to the main evacuation solution on board a newon another vessel in the area. follow in 2026.dieselhybrid-electricferryfleetoperatedby connect the two main islands of New Zealand. Viking is a member of PVA. The LifeCraft system comprises four 203 person self-propelled inflatable survival craft and an EscapeWay 4-chute system, all stored together in the same unit which can be either placed on deck or built into the side of the ves-sel. According to Viking this brings together theadvantagesofpremiumlifeboat,liferaft and evacuation system technology in a revolu-tionary hybrid solution.During the development process of LifeCraft, compactness has been an important parameter all the way through. For the Interislander fer-ries as well as any other ship that will be a major asset in terms of both safety, comfort, and the demand for space on deck to utilize for other purposes, says Niels Fraende, vice president of LifeCraft sales at Viking.InthecaseofLifeCraft,compactnessalso equals saving weight and thus reducing vessel fuel consumption.TheVIKINGLifeCraftsystemisbreaking new ground in the digitalization of the entire pre-departure safety-check. Instead of taking up the crews time and relying on manual pro-cesses such as testing combustible fuel engines, the captain or safety officer has the readiness status of the system available from the vessels bridge, within just a few moments.Should it be brought into action, the LifeCraft systemisabletoevacuateover800people withinonly30minutes.Afterevacuation, each of the systems four craft will take advan-tage of their all-electric propulsion setup to move into and maintain a safe position while waiting for help to arrive. If needed, the four electric engines combined with a high level of seaworthiness, means that each craft can use its 360-degreemaneuverabilityandacceleration tosupportSARoperationseveninsevere weather conditions and high sea states. This way, the LifeCraft system could enhance the 35 MAY 2023'