Passenger ships: enter new-generation MES solutions

A raft of new marine evacuation system (MES) solutions have recently entered the passenger ship market, with shortsea routes and smaller ferries helping to shape solutions.  

Liferaft Systems Australia (LSA) has secured the first order for the LSA single activation fast evacuation (SAFE) mini evacuation system and has seen its MES chosen for the world’s largest fully electric high-speed ferry. On top of that, LSA’s move into the expedition cruise sector is solid, with a fifth ship lined up to receive its MES solution. 

LSA European manager Peter Rea says, “The first installation of the LSA SAFE has been contracted for two ferries for the City of Toronto Municipality, which is a landmark contract.” 

Describing its appeal, he says, “The LSA SAFE has all the advantages of the full LSA MES; it is lightweight, compact, easy to operate by one crew person and has no complicated winches, hydraulics or connection to a ship’s power. Our North American manager Vlad Prato worked closely with the naval architect and the Toronto Municipality to promote the LSA SAFE product. We can also guarantee reliable, high-quality service, maintenance and technical support to the owner through the serviceable life of the equipment in eastern Canada.”

Built by Damen, the ships will be completed by the end of next year. Explaining why the company decided to develop the LSA SAFE, Mr Rea says, “The original LSA MES is fully type-approved to be installed from 5 m to around 14 m from the waterline with the ship in lightest seagoing condition. We noted a significant number of ferries are being built that service shortsea routes, with many people choosing to stay in their vehicles for the short duration of the crossing. As a result, vessel evacuation is facilitated from the vehicle deck level. The LSA SAFE is designed to facilitate evacuation from lower vehicle deck levels.”  

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