VIKING completes a successful function test of its MiniChute system in Italy

VIKING recently installed and tested their MiniChute system on the newly refitted Don Francesco in Italy. The test was performed under the watchful eyes of the Italian flag authorities (RINA) and tested with live subjects - trainees from a nearby maritime training centre - during a timed evacuation, according to IMO regulations.



Tested under simulated evacuation
The MiniChute system underwent its function test as one of the final preparations prior to the vessel's relaunch on the route between Naples and the island of Capri. The test involved launching the system, its accompanying throw overboard liferaft and MOB boat, and evacuees in a simulated evacuation – all of which was carefully timed to ensure that the system could be certified according to the high speed code.

The system performed perfectly and successfully evacuated all testers in less than the required time.

Recently modified to accommodate more passengers
The Don Francesco has recently been refitted to house more passengers and had its existing evacuation systems replaced with 4 VIKING evacuation MiniChute systems, additional throw overboard liferafts and 2 VIKING 470-GRP1 MOB boats capable of towing the liferafts at the 2 knots required by SOLAS. VIKING's expert naval architects worked in close cooperation with the ship owner to ensure the right system was chosen for minimal modification of the existing ship layout.

The Don Francesco is one of three sister ships, all high speed ferries, built in Norway. The other two vessels, the Baltic Jet and the Nordic Jet, have VIKING evacuation slides on board.

Technical information:
"Don Francesco"
Company: SNAV
Vessel name: Don Francesco (ex. "Solidor 5")
Vessel type: RO-RO passenger High Speed Craft
Flag: Italy
Homeport: Napoli
Engaged on route: Napoli - Isole Eolie
Yard: Fjellstrand AS, Norway
Built year: 2000
VIKING supply: 4 x VIKING VEMC (VIKING Evacuation MiniChute)
(system with 1x101 pers. liferaft, B-pack)
Additional VIKING 100DKS (101 pers.) as drop down liferafts
VIKING delivery: February 2007
VIKING function test: March 2007
Converted by yard: March 2007
No. of passengers: upgraded to 670
No. of total persons on board: upgraded to 708