New Survitec Davit-launched Liferaft Winning Sales To Offshore Platform Operators In Key Markets

SOUTHAMPTON, U.K. - Nov. 10, 2014 - PRLog -- The new system has been welcomed as a practical and cost-effective means of escape for personnel on offshore platforms and other high structures and vessels. Space and weight-saving storage contribute to this effective means of escape and nearly 50 systems have already been supplied world-wide since its launch. Orders have been taken in eight key areas of offshore activity with sales being particularly strong in the Middle East, Australia, Central Europe and the UK.

Marketed under the SurvitecZodiac brand name, the new liferafts are available in two sizes weighing either 84 or 63 kgs (Solas A or B pack). Both can accommodate up to eight people and are stored in a durable GRP container. In an emergency the container is connected to a davit and swung outboard where it is inflated and boarded. The davit brake is then released, either by a crew member on deck or by a liferaft occupant pulling a release line. The liferaft will then descend safely into the sea from any height up to 36 metres.

Careful design has been applied to the detail of the launching procedure to make inflation, loading and deployment of the new liferafts as quick as possible. Trials have shown that the SurvitecZodiac liferaft can be made ready by trained crew, boarded by eight people and lowered 36 metres to sea level in just four minutes.

Once on the water, sea anchors are automatically deployed beneath the liferaft to reduce drift, enhance stability and ensure that survivors stay together to increase the speed of rescue. Both sizes of liferaft are fitted with connecting points so that they can be towed to a safer or more practical location. Even with sea anchors deployed the smaller of the two liferaft can be towed fully laden at speeds up to 3 knots without risk of damage.

The new davit-launched liferaft has also introduced a range of benefits for naval architects seeking to optimise space on a ship or platform. The cylindrical container for the A-Pack liferaft is 1275mm long while the B-Pack measures just 1160mm. They can be stored in racks holding up to seven containers. Their size and relatively light weight compares very favourably with that of a 50 person lifeboat while also being available at a much lower cost.

Convenient routine servicing is another advantage being provided by the davit-launched liferafts when used instead of lifeboats. Liferafts can be dispatched for servicing individually or in small numbers which ensures that a substantial percentage of the platform or ship’s escape facility remains available at all times.

The new davit-launched liferaft is manufactured in France at the modern Survitec Group factory at Chevanceaux near Bordeaux. The company is a leading innovator in rescue system technology and is an important contributor to the Survitec portfolio of some of the most reputable brands in the safety and survival equipment industry. Key products within the Survitec Group include marine, defence and aviation liferafts, escape slides and world-leading submarine escape technology. The company also manufactures lifejackets for commercial airlines and the offshore industry as well as pilot flight equipment including anti-g clothing used for the Eurofighter and JSF programmes.

-ENDS-

Press Enquiries

Theresa Fitzgerald

Group marketing manager – commercial marine

Survitec Group

Tel: 0790 049 3734

Email: theresa.fitzgerald@survitecgroup.com

Notes to Editors: About Survitec Group

Survitec Group holds market-leading positions worldwide in marine, defence and aerospace survival technology. Headquartered in Southampton, UK, the company employs 2000 people across eight manufacturing sites and operates through a network of over 580 service stations and distributors to bring its best-in-class products and services to a global customer base. Survitec provides a comprehensive range of critical safety solutions in marine, aviation and industrial services including rope supply, height safety, tooling, lifting and inspection, fire safety equipment and lifeboat servicing and maintenance.

With an extensive history spanning over 160 years and a portfolio of some of the most reputable brands in the safety and survival industry, Survitec is committed to product innovation, technological advancement and quality assurance.

Key products within Survitec’s portfolio include marine, defence and aviation liferafts, market leading submarine escape technology, lifejackets for commercial airlines and the offshore industry as well as pilot flight equipment, including anti-g clothing used for the Eurofighter and JSF programmes. The

Group also pioneered marine evacuation technology and today its range of innovative systems is used on major cruise ships and naval vessels worldwide.

For more information please visit www.survitecgroup.com

Survitec Group Limited Head Office: International House, George Curl Way, Southampton, Hampshire SO18 2RZ

Tel:     +44 (0)23 8030 2020

Fax:    +44 (0)23 8030 2177

Email:  info@survitecgroup.com

Web:    http://www.survitecgroup.com

Company Number: 905173
Registered Office: 1-5 Beaufort Road, Birkenhead, Merseyside, England CH41 1HQ