Page 51: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (March 1995)

SAFETY AT SEA

Kvaerner Ships Equipment Fits

Prototype Flood Prevention Doors

Kvaerner Ships Equipment AB of Gothenburg won the contract to design and supply a prototype main deck flood prevention door to the world's largest passenger ferry, the 59,914-grt Silja Europa. The order was placed by Silja Line and is in advance of anticipated regulation by the Nordic Maritime Authorities to reduce the possibility of water on the main deck causing a RoRo to capsize. The aim of the door is to limit the extent of the flooded area, and the subsequent free surface ef- fect, in the event of an accident. At the same time it is designed not to obstruct vehicle deck access during cargo handling operations.

Initially, Silja will gain opera- tional experience with this proto- type door, which, as it will be in- stalled on the main deck portside only, will not itself be able to provide full watertight integrity. Following trials of the system, it is anticipated

Silj a will retrofit the ferry with three more doors to seal off the main deck on either side of the center casing both forward and aft.

In all, it is estimated by the system's manufacturer that at least 50 Baltic ferries will require this type of modification if new regula- tions are implemented for sub-com- partment division on the main deck.

The hemicyclic prototype door is hinged at the ship's side and can swing a 180-degree arc by means of direct acting cylinders. An optional rack and pinion activation system can be specified.

IACS Calls For Progress On

Safety Issues

The need for "increasingly close cooperation" between major players in maritime safety and the unique ability of leading classification soci- eties to be at the center of these efforts were key themes in the 1995

Chua Chor Teck Memorial Lecture, given in Singapore on January 13 by

James Bell, permanent secretary of the International Association of

Classification Societies (IACS). Mr.

Bell's underlying message was on the vital need for consensus. "If we are to ensure ongoing satisfactory standards, and the elimination of substandard tonnage, then full co- operation between the various in- terests will be essential. A commit- ment to improved safety must be a commitment to work together."

Following the Estonia disaster,

IACS moved for a coordinated tech- nical response to the issue of RoRo safety regulations. The newly formed IACS Special Committee undertook the study, with a key objective being to secure maximum practical benefit from current inves- tigations into RoRo ferry safety be- ing undertaken by classification so- cieties and others.

March, 1995

Kvaerner Ships Equipment AB has also developed a number of al- ternative flood prevention barriers to suit most types of RoRo ship lay- outs, including: top-stowed designs; a sliding link horizontal bulkhead; and a vertical curtain door. Work is underway on a side stowing curtain design as well. Kvaerner Ships

Equipment AB has been working on the concept of reducing the effect water ingress has on the stability of a RoRo vessel for some time, and the recent Estonia disaster prompted ferry operators to re-examine ship safety.

For more information on

Kvaerner Ships Equipment

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