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Shipowners and operators of EU vessels must take steps to ensure that all new firefighting suits on board comply with changes to European regulations which enter into force from June 2025, according to urgent advice from VIKING Life-Saving Equipment. The leading life-saving equipment solutions provider is recommending fleet managers undertake a full risk assessment of their firefighting suits to verify compliance with requirements applying under MED regulations (EU) 2024/1975. New firefighting suits New firefighting suits bought for EU vessels must feature all 3 of the enhanced protection capabilities These are in addition to provisions in effect since August 2024 - that all new firefighting suits must be tested to EN469:2020 standards. From June, all new firefighting suits bought for EU vessels must feature all three of the enhanced protection capabilities included in ‘Level 2’ classifications within MED regulations. While ‘Level 1’ fire suits in-service will remain compliant until they wear out, they must be replaced by Level 2 PPE once they are no longer fit for purpose or worn out. Risks of electrical fires on ships Developed in response to high-risk firefighting, Level 2 notation covers radiant and convective heat resistance (X2), enhanced water penetration protection (Y2), and breathability (Z2). The inclusion of Y2 responds to growing risks of electrical fires on ships and greater seafarer exposure to close-quarters firefighting in enclosed spaces where water is used in high volumes. Y2 suits feature an extra moisture barrier to protect firefighters against steam burns and chemicals. Electric vehicle and battery fires Y2 suits feature an extra moisture barrier to protect firefighters against steam burns “There has been widespread acknowledgement that seafarers need more protection, including from electric vehicle and battery fires, and in enclosed spaces,” explained Charlotte Nielsen, Product Manager PPE, Viking Life-Saving Equipment. “Owners recognise these needs but the most extensive fire suit rule changes for two decades are entering into force with unusual speed, so they also want to fully understand what is being asked of them.” firefighting gear compliance To avoid potential challenges from Port State Control, owners should verify their firefighting gear compliance by the date of purchase. “We recommend customers conduct risk assessments on the condition and certification of suits and update each vessel’s Safety Management System (SMS).” Level 2 marine fire suits The safety solutions provider expects a significant number of non-EU countries to follow VIKING has sold Level 2 marine fire suits since 2016 - all meeting X2 and Z2 protection levels. As new MED regulations enter into force, the safety solutions provider expects a significant number of non-EU countries to follow. UK legislation has already been amended to reflect Y2 requirements. Charlotte Nielsen reported strong uptake for the VIKING YouSafe™ Torch – VIKING’s latest Level 2, EN469:2020 certified fire suit. Superior heat and water protection Made for comfort, durability, and superior heat and water protection, the YouSafe™ Torch has already seen live use fighting fires at sea. “As a one stop shop for marine life-saving equipment, we respond well ahead of the regulators, with a strong lead provided by the products we develop for land-based firefighting professionals,” she said.
VIKING Life-Saving Equipment is strengthening its position in boat manufacturing by investing in a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Arendal, Norway. The new building covers 3,400 sqm and is designed to meet requirements for high-end freefall boats in the offshore segment and for special boats in the defense segment. Boat manufacturing facilities As the market pioneer in lifeboats and fast rescue boats for the commercial shipping, offshore, and defense segments, VIKING has existing boat manufacturing facilities in China, Greece, and Norway. The new investment ensures the company is well-placed to strengthen its position within its target markets. Innovation agenda Odd Ivar Støle, Sr. Director of Manufacturing, VIKING Norway and Greece, commented, “Our new facility allows us to drive our innovation agenda and expand our product portfolio even further. From a strategic shoreside location, we will have all the capabilities we need for developing and engineering the boats as well as thoroughly testing them at sea.” With 175 employees at its main location in Arendal and a total of 320 employees working at six other locations, VIKING has a significant presence in Norway. Centre of excellence Støle expects the new factory to further establish the company’s Arendal base as its centre of excellence for lifeboats and davits. “With the new facilities, we will improve efficiency and the working environment for our employees,” he said. “The building is also energy efficient due to the use of energy wells in the ground, which will reduce energy consumption by up to 70% compared with the previous factory. We are very happy to be able to utilize this excellent building.”
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.
Viking PS4111 Constant wear suit - VIKING YouSafe™ Boras
Viking PS4191 Constant wear suit - VIKING YouSafe™ Hurricane+
Viking PS4190 Constant wear suit - VIKING YouSafe™ Hurricane