Viking Life Saving Equipment Limited - Experts & Thought Leaders

Hefring Marine, a pioneer in intelligent marine technology, has been awarded a grant by the Icelandic Transport Authority (Samgöngustofa) to further critical research on injuries experienced by mariners aboard vessels. This prestigious grant underscores Hefring Marine's commitment to enhancing safety standards within the maritime industry. Building on extensive research conducted in 2023 with support from the Icelandic Student Innovation Fund, backed by Rannís (The Icelandic Centre for Research), Hefring Marine identified that 65 percent of surveyed mariners had suffered injuries during their time aboard, with 69 percent of those injuries requiring medical attention. These statistics highlight the pressing need for innovation in maritime safety systems. Key objectives of the awarded project The awarded project, titled "SKAÐLEG ÁHRIF TITRINGSÁLAGS Á SJÓMENN" (The Impact of Whole-Body Vibration on Mariners), comprises two key objectives: Advanced research and data analysis: Diving deeper into the causes and patterns of mariner injuries to inform safety solutions. Innovative technology development: Designing a prototype operational guidance system to integrate with the Intelligent Marine Assistance System (IMAS), which helps vessel operators mitigate risks and enhance safety on board. Importance of safety in the maritime industry Grant represents a pivotal step in promoting the well-being of mariners and ensuring safer voyages for all In collaboration with the National Association of Small Boat Owners (Landssamband smábátaeigenda), Hefring Marine aims to reduce injury rates and elevate industry standards. This grant represents a pivotal step in promoting the well-being of mariners and ensuring safer voyages for all. Prof. Magnús Þór Jónsson, CTO and Co-Founder of Hefring Marine commented: "This grant from the Icelandic Transport Authority reaffirms the vital importance of safety in the maritime industry. We are honoured to contribute cutting edge research and technology to protect mariners and improve their working conditions." Innovative methods for mitigation Hefring Marine was established based on groundbreaking research into shock and impact exposure on high-speed boats, a focus that remains central to the company's mission. A notable example of this commitment is its participation in the Intelliboat project, led by VIKING Life-Saving Equipment A/S. This initiative explored the effects of wave impacts and vibrations on human performance and safety, with the goal of exploring innovative methods for mitigation and prevention of the often severe effects of such impacts on operators and crew onboard high-speed vessels. Hefring Marine continues to lead the charge in intelligent marine technology, driving innovation with a focus on safety and operational excellence.

Global safety solutions provider - VIKING Life-Saving Equipment and firefighting systems supplier - FAIN Co., Ltd. have signed an exclusive worldwide agreement for VIKING to provide certified services for marine fire systems and equipment delivered and installed by FAIN. FAIN supplies the full spectrum of firefighting systems for marine use, including CO2, foam, DP, water mist, sprinkler, alternative gases, and more. Headquartered in Yangsan, South Korea, the company is a major supplier to shipyards in China, Korea, and Japan – the world’s three largest building countries. Marine fire services The agreement sees VIKING continue its ambitious growth strategy for marine fire services as the sole party approved and certified to service and maintain thousands of high-quality systems delivered and installed by FAIN in the marine and offshore industries worldwide. “This is a global partnership which reflects the shared vision and commitment of our companies to deliver high-quality marine fire safety worldwide, based on built-in equipment performance and unrivalled shipping and offshore service capability,” said William Gielen, Global Service Director - Marine Fire, VIKING Life-Saving Equipment. Service, inspect, and replace FAIN systems VIKING will offer the full portfolio of FAIN spare parts for customers all over the world As the marine and offshore industry’s manufacturer of high-performance lifesaving products and with support from a network including 280+ certified service stations, VIKING will offer the full portfolio of FAIN spare parts for customers all over the world. VIKING’s global team of Marine Fire Service technicians qualify at the VIKING Safety Academy in the Netherlands before they are certified to work with systems used for marine fire safety. The agreement means VIKING technicians are approved to service, inspect, and replace FAIN systems worldwide, while VIKING is also FAIN’s globally approved partner for firefighting foam system conversions.  Competitive synergy It was finalised after a team of VIKING MFS trainers and instructors completed a high-level course at FAIN’s head offices and were qualified to offer ‘train-the-trainer’ services on FAIN’s behalf.  “This is a ‘partnership in safety’ which creates a unique competitive synergy in marine fire safety by bringing together leaders in sector-specific manufacturing and service, in a combination working towards excellence and greater customer satisfaction,” commented Donghoon Kim, Sales Manager, Distributors, VIKING Life-Saving Equipment. Crew training and familiarisation According to Tommy Jun, COO of FAIN Co. Ltd. Korea, for a high-quality OEM, it’s important to have access to a high-quality global service network, “VIKING is FAIN’s trained and trusted global marine fire service provider that will service their customer's equipment wherever they are in the world.” Tommy Jun adds, “Also, VIKING can assist FAIN’s customers with crew training and familiarisation on our systems.”

VIKING Life-Saving Equipment, a global pioneer in maritime safety solutions, has secured a new order for 11 ambulance boats from the Hellenic Coastguard, expanding the coverage provided by VIKING Norsafe vessels to support emergency services for Greek island communities. The new VIKING Munin-S1200 ambulance boats will be used to support emergency services and auxiliary healthcare in remote areas, including the islands of Thassos, Psara, Agios Efstratios, Fournoi, Kea, Lipsi, Kasos, North Evia, Zakynthos and Creta (Sfakia, and Ierapetra). Enhancement of health capabilities Special weathertight door to allow trolley stretchers to enter their enclosed compartments The contract, signed by Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Christos Stylianides and John Georgiadis, General Manager, Viking Norsafe Life-Saving Equipment in Greece, specifies 11 high-performance fast rescue boats, with superstructures modified to include a special weathertight door to allow trolley stretchers to enter their enclosed compartments. According to a government statement, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Christos Stylianides said: "The enhancement of the health capabilities of the Coast Guard will contribute decisively to the sense of security and ultimately to the very well-being of our citizens and especially those who decide to reside and work in-island or in remote areas. They have exactly the same rights and claims that every citizen has." Support emergency services The latest contract follows earlier Ministry orders for five Munin-S1200 boats to support emergency services in Sporades, Samothrace, the Saronic Gulf and the Ionian Islands and a separate order for three identical boats stationed in Naxos, Rhodes and Leros in the Aegean Sea. Latest contract follows earlier Ministry orders for five Munin-S1200 boats to support emergency services “VIKING is delighted that the S-1200 continues to expand its central role in healthcare provision for the Greek islands,” said Georgiadis. “Island ambulance services demand boats that meet both National Centre for Emergency Health Care (EKAB) and Coast Guard standards for high-performance and low-maintenance for operations day and night and in all weather conditions.” Twin marine diesel engines Manufactured in Greece, the Munin-S1200 is the largest boat currently offered by VIKING and operates safely up to Beaufort force 8 and at wave heights up to 4 m. Made from specially reinforced synthetic materials and powered by twin marine diesel engines, these robust 11 m-plus long boats reach speeds of over 40 knots and offer an operating range of above 300 nautical miles at full load and economical speed.  “The VIKING Norsafe Munin-S1200S is chosen for its flexibility, reliability and manoeuverability by a wide variety of users,” said Georgiadis. “In this application, its installed shock mitigation technology is proving especially important in ensuring safe patient transport and that high-quality medical services can be provided in transit.”