The 52m free fall test was carried out in Flekkefjord in Norway and included 90 simulated passengers each weighing 90 kg strapped into their seats. The impact speed from 52m is 80km/hr.

Although this is not the first time Norsafe have dropped their lifeboats, it is the first boat equipped with an UltraJet propulsion system, and there was no damage to the propulsion system or hull.

Survival also depends on the boat being able to move away from the rig under its own power, which with this boat is provided by a single Steyr 144 diesel engine with 106 bhp at 3,100 to 3,300 rpm via a ZF45A gearbox. The UltraJet 250 provides excellent low speed manoeuvring and overall boat control.

Jan Torbjørnsen from Norsafe said, ‘The UltraJet 250 seems to be a good choice for use in free fall lifeboats as it has bearings capable of taking thrust loads in both directions, unlike many other waterjets. This is important in free fall lifeboats as there will be a significant flow of water being pushed through the jet at impact with the sea. generating a load working in the opposite direction to those normally experienced’.

Four of the new GES 50 lifeboats will be used on two new Aker Kvaerner H6 sixth generation deepwater drilling semi-submersible rigs. The new H-6e design is intended both for world wide deepwater operations and harsh environments.

The GES 50 is a totally enclosed free fall lifeboat designed and manufactured to the latest SOLAS, Classification Society and National Authority requirements and is fabricated in fire retardant glassfibre reinforced polyester (GRP).

The space between the hull and hull liner, and between deck and deck liner, is filled with polyurethane buoyancy foam. In fully flooded and loaded condition the lifeboat is self righting. If damaged below the waterline, buoyancy is sufficient to float the boat at a safe level.

Embarkation is through the aft door. Seats are positioned on each side of the central aisle. All seats are anatomically shaped and angled, rear facing and fitted with a four point harness providing optimum safety and comfort during free fall launch.