17 July 2019 – The globally exclusive HydroPen™ distributor and leading safety solutions expert, VIKING Life-Saving Equipment, has announced the signing of a fleetwide contract with a major global container shipping operator to integrate the HydroPenTM System for container firefighting. Beyond the revolutionary system developed by Rosenby Engineering, the scope of supply also includes MED approved mobile water monitors, providing a further boost to the operators’ onboard fire safety setup.
Closing the container safety gap
With the deal, the operators fleet becomes the first to enjoy all the benefits of the technologically forward HydroPen™ System, which enables crew to safely and efficiently tackle costly container fires at heights.
Typically, when container fires are at heights above the reach of the crew, they are fought indirectly by dowsing the burning container and its surroundings with water. This conventional method is ineffective, dangerous, and can destroy precious cargo. The intelligently designed HydroPen™ System, however, uses pressurized water to drill through container doors, before automatically switching to fire extinguishing mode – putting out the fire directly at its source.
Thorough testing
Prior to full fleet integration, the customer has tested the HydroPenTM System thoroughly and was pleased with the results: The HydroPenTM System was found to be simple, efficient and flexible to use for both elevated containers and containers in cargo holds using the HydroLock accessory. It only requires one person to use the system, which frees up other personnel for other important tasks during an emergency.
Lasse Boesen, Global Manager Trade at VIKING expected such an assessment: “This reflects a lot of the positive feedback VIKING has gained after performing tests with some of the world’s largest container ship owners.”
Minimal training
Training to use the HydroPen™ is minimal. Crew only need to hoist the HydroPenTM drilling unit to the doors of the burning container using the telescopic lift supplied with the system. The drilling and extinguishing process is then carried out automatically and with minimum risk to the crew.
The HydroPenTM System is able to spray water, foam and even CO2 into containers – depending on the fire type. What’s more, the system only requires a ship’s existing fire hoses and water pressure to function.
About VIKING
VIKING Life-Saving Equipment is a global market leader in maritime and offshore safety. Headquartered in Denmark, the corporation manufactures, supplies and services everything from chute and slide-based evacuation systems to liferafts, lifejackets, immersion suits, firefighting equipment, aviation safety gear, lifeboats, hooks, davits and more.
VIKING brings its customers all the elements needed to simplify safety, including the world’s broadest range of safety products and a highly efficient, worldwide servicing network. And it stands out in the ability to offer complete safety compliance solutions – all certified in accordance with the latest IMO, SOLAS, EU and USCG requirements. Known as VIKING Shipowner and Offshore Safety Agreements, these uniquely customizable solutions incorporate safety products, global servicing, exchange, single-source management, and financing in a variety of fixed price structures.
In 2018, VIKING acquired Norsafe, the Norwegian boatbuilder whose lifeboats are used throughout the world, adding further strength to an unmatched product and service offering in the global maritime safety industry.
Founded in 1960, the privately held corporation manufactures in Denmark, Norway, Bulgaria, Greece, China and Thailand, and provides safety solutions in all significant markets and locations.
For further information please contact:
Lasse Boesen
Product Manager Trade
Tel: +457611 8123
Email: LBO@VIKING-life.com
Thomas Hestehave
Brand Communications Manager
Tel: +457611 8454
Email: THH@VIKING-life.com
