29 October 2019 – VIKING Life-Saving Equipment has been declared the winning bidder in a tender covering three offshore high-speed ambulance boats that will support emergency services in the Aegean Sea.
The international tender was concluded after a cooperation between the Hellenic Coast Guard and the Greek Emergency Response Organization (E.K.A.B), in an initiative supported and financed by the European Union under the INTERREG V-A Cooperation Program 2014-2020.
All three ambulance boats are scheduled for delivery during the summer of 2020, to take up station operating from remote Greek islands in the Aegean.
The vessels will be fabricated using the successful VIKING Norsafe Munin S1200 design and will be equipped with twin diesel stern drive engines to achieve speeds of up to 40 knots, as well as cutting-edge navigation instruments.
The construction of the boats will take place at the VIKING Norsafe facility in Thiva – Greece. Following their delivery, VIKING will be responsible for technical support and maintenance.
The boats will be equipped with twin stretchers, resuscitation devices and all the necessary medical equipment to help perform rescue operations, medical evacuations and other humanitarian missions under harsh weather conditions in cases of emergency.
This is the first time that the Hellenic Coast Guard has incorporated ambulance boats in its fleet and, if the project fulfills expectations, more orders could be on the horizon.
“I would like to congratulate our team for their dedication and hard work in putting together this successful tender,” said John Georgiadis, Managing Director for VIKING Norsafe’s production facility in Greece. “We were up against some very tough competitors, but our team met the very stringent conditions to the satisfaction of the Hellenic Coast Guard.”
Endre Eidsvik, VP, Sales & Service, VIKING Norsafe Boats & Davits, added: “This is a great tender to win, and an important milestone that will further strengthen our position in this market segment. Being based on the very successful VIKING Norsafe Munin S1200 design, these boats will be highly maneuverable even in rough sea conditions with low freeboards to help with rescue operations.”
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:
Endre Eidsvik
VP Sales & Service Boats & Davits
Tel.: +47 37058500,
E: EEI@viking-life.com
John Georgiadis
Managing Director, Greece Production
Tel.: +30 22620 22441,
E: JGE@viking-life.com
Thomas Hestehave
Brand Communications Manager
Tel.: +45 25428454,
E: THH@viking-life.com
