VIKING presents wave of new developments at SMM

VIKING presents wave of new developments at SMM
Press release September 2008

Please visit the VIKING Stand at SMM – B1.EG.210 New offices: New Istanbul facility an immediate success New service: long term shipowner agreements prove popular, allowing for more efficient service New products: VIKING Evacuation Dual Chute and PS4170 constant wear/immersion suit to launch at SMM New catalogue launched: Visitors to the VIKING Stand at SMM will be able to pick up the new Maritime Safety Catalogue and meet with our industry experts

The VIKING organisation - a market leader in maritime safety provision - is enjoying continued growth across the board with new offices, new innovative products in several categories and new long-term service agreements in place to help shipowners make their servicing more efficient.


New office in Istanbul an immediate success
Earlier this year VIKING opened a new branch office and servicing station in Istanbul. It’s been an immediate success, with a stream of new orders for newbuildings secured from shipyards in Turkey. Service books have also been quickly filled. “Our new team knows the market and has done a really good job helping shipowners and shipyards in their region,” says Global Sales Manager Jørgen Holm.


For more efficient service – go direct to the experts
In response to growing shipowner demand for more efficient management of marine safety equipment servicing, VIKING now offers a long term shipowner agreement. These fixed price agreements streamline administration and follow-up and allow shipowners to easily and accurately budget their servicing costs. The agreements are overseen by VIKING’s service experts.

“We offer shipowners predictable costs and direct access to a specialist organisation” says Global Service Director Hans-Henrik Madsen. “Our flexible agreement helps them get the most out of their marine safety equipment so they can concentrate their resources on other important areas of their business.”


New products!
At the SMM exhibition in Hamburg, VIKING is launching its new Maritime Safety Solutions Catalogue. Inside are a wide range of VIKING products and services including several new products.


VIKING Evacuation Dual Chute – the VEDC
The tendency to build larger, wider vessels heralds a new challenge for the suppliers of marine evacuation systems. Not only must they cope with increasing numbers of passengers, but they must also be flexible enough to cope with increased vessel trim and list.

To meet trim, list as well as evacuation capacity requirements, VIKING has designed and built the entirely new patent-pending VIKING Evacuation Dual Chute (VEDC). It is SOLAS-approved with the capacity to evacuate 559 people per system and can be used as high as 16.8 metres and as low as 8.9 metres. VIKING believes it is the most flexible chute system on the market today.

“With today's post-Panmax breadth vessels, the variation in height in trim and list conditions in a distress situation can be enormous. Only an extremely flexible evacuation system can cope with such extremes” says Global Sales Manager Niels Frænde and continues: “Another unique element of the VEDC system is the float free function. Unlike other high capacity systems, the VEDC is not stored away in a large box that contains all elements. The liferafts can be released independently from the system and used separately if necessary. “


PS4170 Constant wear, SOLAS immersion & anti-exposure suit
In parallel, VIKING is launching a new SOLAS approved breathable constant wear suit. The PS4170 constant wear, SOLAS immersion and anti-exposure suit has been designed with freedom of movement and extra comfort in mind. A detachable lining with integrated buoyancy foam makes it ideal for operations in both cold and warmer climates.

“This is big news for those who have been looking for a flexible solution for their constant wear suits” says Global Sales Manager Jørgen Holm. “The new constant wear suit can be used as a 6-hour SOLAS immersion suit or 1-hour anti-exposure suit just by exchanging the thermal lining. This makes it perfect for warm and cold weather use. The new GORE-TEX® Pazifik™ outer material with its exceptional ‘breathability’ makes it incredibly comfortable for all day use,” he adds. “You can also choose between several choices of footwear, hood types, thermal linings and special pockets. You can build a suit that is just right for your needs.”


Visit VIKING during SMM!
VIKING looks forward to welcoming visitors to its dedicated stand at SMM: B1.EG.210. Senior staff will be available throughout the week to discuss both new and existing services and products. Visitors are assured a warm welcome.




Notes to editors:
Founded in 1960, VIKING is a market leader in maritime safety. The company provides essential safety and fire-fighting equipment to the following segments: passenger, cargo, offshore, defence, fishing, yachting and fire.

VIKING is a privately held Danish corporation with group headquarters in Esbjerg, Denmark. Products are manufactured at facilities in Esbjerg and Bramming in Denmark, Bergen, Norway and in Bangkok, Thailand.

We offer a choice of product packages and systems - standard or tailor made - and certified to the latest requirements according to IMO, SOLAS, EU and the USCG. Our product portfolio includes: chute and slide based marine and offshore evacuation and embarkation systems, life rafts, lifejackets, immersion suits, fire suits, work suits, pilot suits, transportation suits, Man overboard (MOB) boats, davits and other life-saving appliances.

The unique VIKING network of branch offices, agents, 270 certified servicing stations and worldwide stock points makes us a truly global provider offering cost-effective and convenient service when and where you need it.

For further information please contact:
Mrs. Lone A. Jessen, Marketing Executive, VIKING LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT
Tel: +45 76 11 82 03 * E-mail: laj@viking-life.com




Head Office:
VIKING LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT A/S • Saedding Ringvej 13 • DK-6710 Esbjerg V • Denmark
Tel: +45 76 11 81 00 • Fax: +45 76 11 81 01 • www.viking-life.com • e-mail: viking@viking-life.com
A/S registered 30.113 • Bankers: Danske Bank, Esbjerg Branch