Arctic cruise ship selects Polar Code-compliant lifeboats

Polar Code-compliant lifeboats and davits have seen a boost within the cruise ship sector after it was revealed SELAR’s newbuild Captain Arctic will be deploying them.

VIKING is supplying this equipment to the expedition vessel, which is being built by CNOI Shipyard. The lifeboats and davits are specified to suit the vessel and ensure Captain Arctic is ready for Polar Code safety compliance in -30°C conditions with a six-day survival duration.

VIKING provides winterisation technologies for lifeboats and rescue boats. Explaining how it has developed these, it says, “We have actively participated in SAREX I, SAREX II and SAREX III field-based lifeboat survival tests in polar conditions. The expeditions provided unique insights into the complexities of Polar operations, and the risks and challenges for lifesaving equipment. With this knowledge, we have developed concepts for winterised equipment, from equipment standards and maintenance to operation procedures. We deliver Polar Code-ready lifeboats and rescue boats for passenger and commercial vessels, as well as offshore and defence professionals.”

The 69-m solar-powered cruise ship features cutting-edge technology for low-impact polar exploration, including retractable solar sails, clean electric power generation, autonomous water production, organic heating, and a zero-waste policy.

A website dedicated to the newbuild vessel explains it has 35-m high solar sails, that “can be retracted like a Swiss Army knife when needed”. They are made of aluminium and fitted with 2,000-m² of solar panels. When the sails can harness wind, the ship relies on two propeller shafts that produce energy and act as hydro turbines.

Elsewhere, the ship generates fresh water from the sea through reverse osmosis. An organic heating system uses a pellet boiler that uses recycled wooden waste pellets.

Royal Caribbean International’s fourth Icon-class ship, set to debut in 2027, will have a lifesaving package from Palfinger Marine after it secured a contract with Finnish Meyer Turku shipyard, which is building the ship.

The ship’s LSA package includes 18 lifeboats, which are some of the largest enclosed lifeboats on the market, each with a capacity of 450 passengers. Complementing this, will be 18 hydraulic pivoting davits, two fast rescue boat A-frame davits for rapid response in emergencies, as well as two fast rescue boats, built for speed and agility.

The project timeline includes delivery of the davits between 2025 and 2026, followed by the boats in 2026 and 2027.

“This is one of our largest boat and davits orders in the cruise segment yet, reinforcing our role as a global partner for deck equipment and lifesaving appliances”, says Palfinger Marine vice president sales and service Klaus Schreiber. “Our long-standing relationship with Royal Caribbean ensures we understand their needs. Each solution is designed to perfectly fit into the design of the state-of-the-art ships and exceed the safety and performance standards in the industry.”