Survival technology solutions provider, Survitec has won a contract to supply firefighting systems to two 48,000 grt LNG dual-fuelled ropaxes
They are currently under construction at Finland’s Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) for Australian shipowner, Spirit of Tasmania (TT-Line Co Pty Ltd).
“This is a major order from a returning customer,” said Michal Peruga, General Manager, Survitec, Poland. “This contract win demonstrates our ability to go beyond simple equipment supply to being able to provide a complete bespoke fire safety solution for all areas of the ship, from bow to stern.”
Survitec’s scope of supply will include Novenco Fire Fighting (NFF) patented XFlow water mist systems for machinery spaces and accommodation areas; an NFF XFlow Deluge system for car decks; a dry powder fire suppression system for the ships’ LNG bunkering stations; a deep fat fryer fire extinguishing system and a CO2 system for the vessels’ galley ducts.
Peruga added that Survitec’s technical team helped the shipyard and owner navigate complex mandatory regulations in relation to the design, installation, and operation of the fire suppression systems.
“Our NFF XFlow technology uses a combination of fine water droplets and water mist. Consequently, the system can be activated immediately, without the need to evacuate first, which reduces the risk of damage to machinery and other critical installations. It makes the system more efficient for certain types of fires compared to high pressure water mist systems, even though both systems have to pass the same test,” said Peruga.
Mika Laurilehto, RMC CEO, said: “The agreement we have with Spirit of Tasmania is for a pair of world class ferries capable of meeting exacting standards in terms of safety, reliability and customer service.
“Survitec’s ability to offer a full range of fire safety solutions and also local after care services allowed us to streamline the design and procurement processes in a manner that benefits both the yard and the shipowner,” he said.
Finn Lende-Harung, Survitec’s Commercial Director of Fire Solutions, commented: “Dual fuel systems and alternative fuels are setting new standards for fire safety in the industry.
“Shipowners and builders are looking for suppliers capable of providing technical support to high-value projects throughout the entire life span of a vessel. We work hard not only to keep on top of the latest changes in legislation but also to offer through-life benefits that help with the total cost of ownership – from the design and construction phase through to operation and servicing,” he said.
When delivered in 2023 and 2024, Spirit of Tasmania’s new 212 m long ropaxes will each have capacity to accommodate 1,800 pax and will operate across the Bass Strait, on the company’s Geelong/Devonport (Tas), route, which connects the island state of Tasmania with mainland Australia.
The new vessels will replace ‘Spirit of Tasmania I’ and ’II’, which were both built in Finland in 1998.
