EU shipowners must upgrade firefighting suits to Level 2 by June 2025

Regulatory changes require new firefighting suit standards

Shipowners and operators of EU-flagged vessels must ensure that all new firefighting suits meet enhanced protection standards by June 2025, according to VIKING Life-Saving Equipment.

The updated Marine Equipment Directive (MED) regulations (EU) 2024/1975 mandate that new firefighting suits comply with ‘Level 2’ standards, which provide enhanced protection against heat, water penetration, and breathability.

These requirements build on rules introduced in August 2024, which already require suits to be tested to EN469:2020 standards.

Existing ‘Level 1’ firefighting suits may remain in use until they are no longer fit for service.

However, once replaced, they must meet the Level 2 standard.

Enhanced protection requirements for firefighting suits

The Level 2 classification introduces additional safety measures designed for high-risk firefighting scenarios.

These include improved resistance to radiant and convective heat (X2), enhanced water penetration protection (Y2), and increased breathability (Z2).

The Y2 classification has been introduced to address rising concerns over electrical fires and high-volume water use in enclosed spaces.

Firefighting suits with Y2 protection include an extra moisture barrier to guard against steam burns and chemical exposure.

“There has been widespread acknowledgement that seafarers need more protection, including from electric vehicle and battery fires, and in enclosed spaces,” said Charlotte Nielsen, Product Manager PPE at VIKING Life-Saving Equipment.

Compliance checks advised for shipowners

To avoid potential issues with Port State Control inspections, shipowners should confirm that all new firefighting suits meet the Level 2 requirements at the time of purchase.

VIKING recommends fleet managers conduct risk assessments on their firefighting gear and update each vessel’s Safety Management System (SMS) to reflect the new standards.

“We recommend customers conduct risk assessments on the condition and certification of suits and update each vessel’s Safety Management System (SMS),” Nielsen added.

International impact of EU firefighting regulations

VIKING has been supplying Level 2 marine firefighting suits since 2016, with its existing models already meeting X2 and Z2 requirements.

With the new MED regulations coming into force, the company expects more non-EU countries to adopt similar standards.

The UK has already updated its legislation to reflect Y2 requirements.

VIKING has reported increased demand for its YouSafe Torch firefighting suit, which meets the Level 2 EN469:2020 standard.

“As a one-stop shop for marine life-saving equipment, we respond well ahead of the regulators, with a strong lead provided by the products we develop for land-based firefighting professionals,” Nielsen said.

EU shipowners must upgrade firefighting suits to Level 2 by June 2025: Summary

Shipowners operating EU-flagged vessels must ensure that all new firefighting suits meet Level 2 protection standards by June 2025, as required by MED regulations (EU) 2024/1975.

The updated rules introduce enhanced safety measures, including improved heat resistance (X2), water penetration protection (Y2), and breathability (Z2).

Existing Level 1 suits may remain in service but must be replaced with Level 2 models when no longer fit for use.

VIKING Life-Saving Equipment advises fleet managers to conduct risk assessments and update their vessel’s Safety Management System (SMS) to ensure compliance.

The company expects more non-EU countries to follow the EU’s regulatory changes, with the UK already incorporating Y2 requirements into its legislation.

VIKING Life-Saving Equipment signs exclusive global service agreement with FAIN for marine fire systems

Exclusive agreement expands marine fire service capabilities worldwide

Global safety solutions provider VIKING Life-Saving Equipment has signed an exclusive worldwide agreement with South Korean company FAIN Co., Ltd., a major supplier of marine firefighting systems, to deliver certified services for fire safety equipment in marine environments.

According to Viking, the deal positions VIKING as the sole party authorised to service and maintain firefighting systems installed by FAIN in the marine and offshore sectors globally.

Headquartered in Yangsan, South Korea, FAIN supplies a range of firefighting systems, including CO₂, foam, DP, water-mist, sprinklers, and alternative gas systems.

Its client base spans shipyards in China, South Korea, and Japan, which are leading nations in shipbuilding.

VIKING enhances global marine fire safety services

The partnership supports VIKING’s broader strategy to expand marine fire safety services worldwide, leveraging its network of more than 280 certified service stations.

“This is a global partnership which reflects the shared vision and commitment of our companies to deliver high-quality marine fire safety worldwide,” stated William Gielen, VIKING’s Global Service Director – Marine Fire.

Through the agreement, VIKING will supply FAIN’s entire portfolio of spare parts for their marine systems, supporting shipyards and vessel owners worldwide.

VIKING’s Marine Fire Service technicians, trained at the VIKING Safety Academy in the Netherlands, are certified to inspect, service, and replace FAIN systems, enhancing service options for marine and offshore clients.

Training programs align with global standards

Following the finalisation of the agreement, a team of VIKING instructors completed advanced training at FAIN’s headquarters, enabling them to conduct ‘train-the-trainer’ programs on behalf of FAIN.

This specialised training qualifies VIKING technicians to meet high industry standards in marine fire safety and to support FAIN’s customers through ongoing crew training and system familiarisation.

According to Tommy Jun, FAIN’s Chief Operating Officer, “VIKING is FAIN’s trained and trusted global marine fire service provider that will service their customers’ equipment wherever they are in the world.

“Also, VIKING can assist FAIN’s customers with crew training and familiarisation on our systems.”

Industry collaboration fosters marine fire safety advancements

The agreement formalises the two companies’ collaboration in marine fire safety.

Donghoon Kim, Sales Manager for Distributors at VIKING, described the collaboration as a “partnership in safety,” designed to integrate specialised manufacturing and service expertise to better serve global marine and offshore markets.

Through this partnership, VIKING will conduct firefighting foam system conversions for FAIN, supporting safer, more efficient fire safety systems in marine operations.

This partnership also aims to reinforce marine safety standards and streamline service capabilities for customers by offering a single certified provider for both equipment and service needs.

VIKING Life-Saving Equipment signs exclusive global service agreement with FAIN for marine fire systems: Summary

VIKING Life-Saving Equipment and South Korean firefighting systems supplier FAIN Co., Ltd.

have established an exclusive global partnership for marine fire safety services.

Under the agreement, VIKING will be the sole certified service provider for FAIN’s installed fire systems, delivering maintenance, inspections, and equipment replacements worldwide.

FAIN’s systems, utilised in major shipyards across China, South Korea, and Japan, include CO₂, foam, water-mist, and other firefighting solutions for marine use.

VIKING’s technicians, trained at the VIKING Safety Academy, will support these systems through certified service and a global spare parts supply network.

This collaboration enables VIKING to offer a single-source solution for marine fire safety and fire foam system conversions for FAIN customers worldwide, strengthening the companies’ shared commitment to marine safety.

VIKING Life-Saving Equipment announces new CEO Appointment for June 2024

Henrik Helsinghof Appointed as New CEO of VIKING

Henrik Helsinghof is set to take on the role of Chief Executive Officer at VIKING Life-Saving Equipment A/S from June 1, 2024.

This decision follows the untimely passing of the former CEO, Henrik Uhd Christensen, in January.

Helsinghof, a figure already familiar with the company’s ethos and operations, has been chosen to ensure a smooth transition in leadership and the continuation of VIKING’s strategic direction.

Jens Lindholm, Chairman of the Board at VIKING A/S, shared his thoughts on the appointment: “We are extremely pleased to welcome Henrik to our leadership team as CEO.

“He is a dynamic leader with a proven track record and a passion for company development through people.

“He is also a true VIKING at heart. As such, he shares our values, culture and passion.

“With his past experience of VIKING and recent successes as a CEO, Henrik is the ideal person to take our company forward.

“He has the full backing of the Board and owner, the Claus Sørensen Foundation, and we look forward to working with Henrik as we build the VIKING of the future.”

Henrik Helsinghof’s Journey Back to VIKING

Henrik Helsinghof’s journey with VIKING began in 2006 as a student assistant.

He climbed the ranks within the company, culminating in his role as Managing Director of VIKING Nadiro.

His recent tenure as CEO at Bramidan A/S was marked by a period of continuous improvement and growth.

His return to VIKING is seen as a homecoming, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective.

Embracing New Strategies for Future Success

In his upcoming role, Helsinghof aims to further the company’s positive trajectory.

VIKING is in the process of defining a new strategy, BP28, which builds upon the success of the BP25 plan.

This strategy focuses on continuing VIKING’s legacy of growth, innovation, and industry leadership.

Helsinghof expressed his enthusiasm for his new role: “It is a great honor to lead VIKING and build upon the strong foundation of growth, innovation and industry leadership laid by my predecessor and leadership team.

“Together, with the talented leadership team at VIKING and our colleagues around the world, we will continue to innovate, serve our customers with excellence, and lead our company and industry forward.”

IFSJ Comment

The appointment of Henrik Helsinghof as CEO of VIKING Life-Saving Equipment marks a pivotal moment for the company.

This transition ensures continuity in leadership and adherence to the company’s core values and strategic goals.

Helsinghof’s return to VIKING brings not only a sense of familiarity but also the promise of fresh perspectives and continued commitment to excellence in the life-saving equipment industry.

As VIKING moves towards implementing its BP28 strategy, Helsinghof’s leadership will be instrumental in steering the company towards future successes, innovation, and industry leadership.