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 boat was loaded with seven tonnes to simulate the full capacity of seventy 100 kg people. As part of the test, the engine was started immediately and was left running for four hours along with different manoeuvring tests.
Highest Certified Freefall Lifeboat
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 this week, the FF1200 is now the highest certified freefall lifeboat.
Larger Offshore Installations
Thee 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.
FF1200 Lifeboat
The FF1200 boat can carry 70 persons secured in special seats with 5 point harnesses. After dropping into the water the boat momentum carries it clear of the rig, after which a high power 280 hp engine speeds the boat clear of the rig.
Schat-Harding has already secured orders for 47 systems and is now receiving more requests for new projects.
A video of the record freefall can be watched on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ly05OF6OAWc[Youtube].
Picture: FF1200 freefall boat 60 m test drop (by Arild Lokøy)
