Survitec’s Seahaven wins recognition in innovation and safety
Global Survival Technology provider, Survitec, has been awarded two Ship Technology Excellence Awards for its Seahaven inflatable lifeboat, as reported by Survitec.
Recognised in both the Innovation and Safety categories, Seahaven stands as a modern alternative to traditional lifeboats and has been celebrated for its design and functionality at the annual awards, powered by GlobalData’s business intelligence platform.
These awards highlight individuals and companies driving forward developments within the maritime industry.
Originally launched by Survitec in 2022, Seahaven is designed for large cruise ships and can evacuate up to 1,060 passengers in under 22 minutes, which is well within the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulation of 30 minutes.
Seahaven’s design combines expertise from Survitec’s aerospace, defence, and maritime divisions, reflecting a collaborative approach to enhancing maritime safety.
New approach to lifeboat design
Seahaven represents a departure from traditional lifeboat models, which have remained largely unchanged since the Titanic era.
Commenting on this shift, Survitec’s Chief Operating Officer, Claude Sada, stated: “Cruise ships are reaching unprecedented sizes, accommodating up to 10,000 passengers and crew, but traditional lifeboats take up a lot of prime ship-side real-estate that could be better used to enhance the passenger experience.” Seahaven’s compact structure is Panamax compliant, allowing deployment in areas with varying tidal levels, like Alaska.
The Seahaven system also benefits the onboard environment by reducing space demands on the ship, particularly on Decks 6 and 7.
This opens up additional deck space, providing passengers with improved sea views and increased natural light, enhancing their onboard experience.
Operational efficiency and safety improvements
The Seahaven system is designed to enhance safety and efficiency in emergency evacuation scenarios.
With the ability to be deployed at the push of a button and automatic inflation, Seahaven minimises the need for crew intervention.
This ease of use reduces crew workloads and maintenance requirements, with Survitec reporting a 93% reduction in life-saving appliance (LSA) upkeep time, down from 150 hours to just 10 hours.
Additionally, Seahaven’s helical slide technology enables a safe and quick descent for passengers.
The technology’s performance in heavy weather conditions has been demonstrated, and its reduced crew involvement lowers the risk of human error in evacuation processes.
Collaborative development and engineering excellence
Survitec developed Seahaven over a five-year period, drawing on expertise from a team of 30 marine engineers.
This project applied advanced methodologies typically used in aerospace, resulting in a product that delivers high levels of reliability and operational cost-efficiency.
With extended service durations and lower maintenance demands, Seahaven aligns with high safety standards and long-term cost benefits for operators.
Chief Operating Officer Sada acknowledged the contributions of the entire Survitec team, stating: “Everyone involved in the Seahaven project must take enormous pride in celebrating these award wins.
“Colleagues across our organisation, from designers, technicians, finance, and marketing to countless others, have played an integral part in this success.”
Survitec wins Ship Technology Excellence Awards for Seahaven inflatable lifeboat: Summary
Survitec, a global provider of survival technology, has received two Ship Technology Excellence Awards for its Seahaven inflatable lifeboat in the categories of Innovation and Safety.
Seahaven, launched in 2022 and designed for large cruise ships, allows for the evacuation of up to 1,060 passengers in under 22 minutes, meeting SOLAS requirements.
The system’s compact design frees up deck space, enhancing onboard experience, and its automated features reduce crew demands.
Developed by Survitec’s team of engineers, Seahaven’s design incorporates aerospace engineering principles, offering improved safety and operational efficiencies.