A new marine evacuation system (MES) from VIKING Life-Saving Equipment is designed to help passengers exit ships faster, simplify operations for the crew, and make servicing easier for cruise and ferry operators.
The VIKING Helix MES is specifically developed for passenger ships that require a high capacity for evacuations. It features a helix-type slide that can accommodate 4 to 8 people at once, along with a unique bowsing system that keeps life rafts in position with minimal crew help.
This system can safely evacuate up to 477 people in just 30 minutes into life rafts that hold 153 individuals, allowing adults of all sizes to use the slide. It also permits families to evacuate together, and even allows stretchers for injured persons to be included in the process.
“The Helix solution is built for speed and simplicity, promoting technical efficiency. The controlled descent means evacuees need less crew support when moving from the slide to the life raft,” explained Alex Kristensen, VP of Cruise & Ferry at VIKING Life-Saving Equipment.
Certified by DNV, the VIKING Helix can adapt to various types of vessels and is particularly effective for larger ferries and small to mid-sized cruise ships. It can be installed at heights from 5 to 23 meters without requiring welding, making it easy to integrate into both new builds and retrofit projects.
For installations up to 12 meters, the Helix has a new bowsing system that automatically activates once the raft's ballast water bags are filled, helping to keep it in position. Tightening the bowsing line is a common issue during evacuation training.
“The automated bowsing allows the Helix MES to function effectively in a range of conditions, with safe evacuations possible even in challenging scenarios,” Kristensen stated. “This also eliminates the need to service the bowsing systems every three years, which is typically required by SOLAS regulations.”
Tests conducted at the VIKING Testing Center in Esbjerg focused on the materials and structural strength of the system. Volunteers of various ages and physical conditions tested the slide and life rafts. Heavy-weather trials in the North Sea confirmed the system's performance under conditions of wind, waves, and vessel motion.
The design also aims to minimize operational disruptions, requiring service only once every 30 months at authorized service stations. “The Helix slide and a 153-person life raft are combined in a compact GRP frame that fits standard ceiling heights between decks, making replacement easy,” Kristensen added. “This can be done even during brief port stops.”