Survitec’s Head Start to mitigate safety risks for shipowners
(Posted on 31/05/22)
Survival Technology specialist Survitec has introduced a unique approach to ensure shipowners are fully equipped to protect crews and assets throughout the entire lifetime of their vessels, from concept stage to operations.
As part of its novel “Head Start” programme, a complete through-life supply and service initiative, Survitec is working with shipowners, designers and ship builders from first designs, not only to ensure that vessels are protected with the most advanced safety solutions possible, but also to ensure they can be operated and maintained efficiently throughout the vessel’s lifetime.
Finn Lende-Harung, Commercial Director – Fire Solutions, Survitec, said: “Being involved from the planning phase onwards, we can help to optimise safety system design, installation and commissioning as well as ensuring shipowners benefit from the most cost-effective means of managing their ongoing system training, servicing, and certification requirements.
“From the very beginning of a project, shipowners have immediate access to our global network of experts through a single point of contact. We’re providing a complete one-stop safety shop from the design phase through to ongoing vessel operations. We’re setting shipowners on course for a lifetime of safety at sea,” Lende-Harung said.
This is particularly important for fire safety, the initial focus for Head Start. Rafal Kolodziejski, Survitec’s Head of Product Support and Development – Fire Systems, cited the increasing number of newbuilds opting to run on alternative fuels as one of the main reasons why the initiative is becoming so appealing.
“The industry is well advanced in fire extinguishing technologies and mediums for gas and methanol fuelled fires. However, li-ion batteries, ammonia, and hydrogen are relatively new marine fuel and powering options, presenting very different challenges for shipowners and operators.
“The risk of fire from these alternative fuels can be substantial, requiring a higher focus on prevention and the monitoring of gas leakage and temperatures. When we are involved in a newbuild project from the beginning, we can better mitigate any risk further down the line through quick-response fire system solutions.”
Lende-Harung added that as the shipping industry moves towards digital technologies and the possibilities of autonomous shipping – accelerated perhaps by current operational and financial challenges – “remote monitoring, diagnostics and online maintenance will in the future become a major consideration at the design stage.”
As a result, Survitec has invested heavily in the development of remote and graphical monitoring solutions designed to provide a digital version of a ship’s safety plan with additional functionality such as real time status indication of all the fire protected zones onboard. Typically, only hard copies are available currently.
Survitec’s fire system experts can monitor system conditions, support ship crew with trouble shooting and adjustment of equipment shoreside without having to physically attend the ship,” said Lende-Harung.
“A remote VPN gateway connects to the fire safety system operator panel via an ethernet cable or Wi-Fi through a secure gateway. We can connect at short notice in case of issues threatening normal operation or to provide training to ship crews. For example, we can help a system operator tune-up their inert gas system to reduce fuel consumption, reduce maintenance and increase system stability. Remote diagnostics and the monitoring of fire safety equipment will become a major factor in the swing towards autonomous shipping,” he said.
Latest News
Greek owners to play key role in nuclear development for maritime sector
(Posted on 29/09/25)“Nuclear energy is stepping forward as a credible long-term solution” stated Christopher... Read more
Columbia leader calls on the maritime industry for alternative fuels reality check
(Posted on 29/09/25)The CEO of leading integrated maritime, logistics, energy, leisure and offshore services platform Columbia... Read more
Record numbers from Indian subcontinent for Sailors’ Society conference
(Posted on 22/09/25)More than 4000 cadets, trainees and ratings from the Indian subcontinent took part in the first of Sailors... Read more
The Swedish Club expands management team
(Posted on 22/09/25)The Swedish Club have announced that it is strengthening its management team to match the pace of its... Read more
Shipowners face Port State Control crackdown on BWTS compliance
(Posted on 22/09/25)BIO-UV Group is advising shipowners to ready themselves for extensive Port State Control inspections... Read more
CORE POWER welcomes agreement to accelerate investment in maritime decarbonisation
(Posted on 16/09/25)The U.S. and the UK have announced a bilateral collaboration to accelerate reactor licensing from three... Read more
Cobelfret accelerates digital transformation with integrated maritime platform
(Posted on 14/09/25)Cobelfret, a leading global dry bulk shipowner and operator based in Singapore, has partnered with Smart... Read more
Support grows for India’s new maritime CCTV rules
(Posted on 14/09/25)Zelim is calling on international regulators and flag states to follow India’s lead on enhancing... Read more
Ionic extends Orca AI to bulker fleet to boost safety
(Posted on 09/09/25)Athens-based Ionic controls a fleet of eight crude tankers and 11 bulkers under its respective wet and... Read more
Columbia and Pan Marine launch Egyptian JV
(Posted on 09/09/25)Columbia Group, a global leader in integrated maritime services, has announced the establishment of... Read more
