Norsafe has conducted the highest free-fall drop ever, featuring a so-called free-fall lifeboat. The test was conducted from a height of 61.53m and was very successful. The test came in the wake of another successful drop from a height of 52m earlier the same week. Norsafe’s groundbreaking new lifeboat, the GES50 MKIII, is thus certified for heights up to 47m.
Norsafe’s purpose is not to set records in free-fall drops of lifesaving equipment, says Norsafe CEO Geir Skaala.
"The essence of our products, however, is to save lives. Quality and trust is the foundation of our existence. It is therefore crucial to us that our customers have the safest and most secure lifesaving equipment available in a situation where another evacuation is not possible."
GES50 MKIII builds on cutting-edge technology and meets the DNV-OS-E406 standard for lifesaving equipment on the Norwegian continental shelf. The product is the first model in a series of three of Norsafe’s newly developed free-fall lifeboats that comply with these regulations.
"Despite the fact that the new regulations will not take effect until 2015, it is important for us as the market leader to be ready ahead of time. We are therefore proud to offer the market a new and innovative product that meets the regulations three years prior to them coming into force", added Skaala.
GES50 MKIII is 50ft long, and has a capacity for 70 persons of 100kg each.