The world’s leading lifeboat and davit manufacturer Schat-Harding has set a new freefall lifeboat record with its new generation FF1200 boat. The boat was successfully dropped from a freefall height of 60 metres. The world record drop was conducted as part of the certification tests of the boat.
“The FF1200 managed this height in an excellent way,” says Geir Arne Veglo, CEO of Umoe Schat-Harding Equipment AS. “The FF1200 entered the water cleanly and made excellent headway.”
The boat was loaded with seven tonnes to simulate the full capacity of 70 100kg people. As part of the test, the engine was started immediately and was left running for four hours along with different manoeuvring tests.
The FF1200 is the only lifeboat that has completed the full-scale tests set by the new requirements for freefall lifeboats on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, DNV-OS-E406 standard. After the freefall test in August, the FF1200 is now the highest certified freefall lifeboat.
The ability to drop safely from greater heights is required as offshore installations get larger. The FF1200 was designed
for that purpose and to meet stringent new standards for performance in heavy seas which will facilitate the evacuation of rigs and installations in the Norwegian North Sea.
“This lifeboat has been well received in the market. Schat-Harding has already secured orders for 47 systems and is now receiving more requests for new projects. We have exciting times ahead as the Norwegian and global offshore markets develop,” says Veglo.
The FF1200 boat can carry 70 persons secured in special seats with five-point harnesses. After dropping into the water the boat momentum carries it clear of the rig, after which a high power 280hp engine speeds the boat clear of the rig.
Umoe Schat-Harding is a renowned manufacturer of marine
life-saving systems and offers the largest worldwide service network in the industry. When designing, manufacturing and servicing, it provides lifetime support for a wide range of innovative lifeboats, davits, winches and rescue boats which all have one purpose: the safe evacuation of crews, passengers and offshore workers.