Eco-friendly Novec used on Gobbler vessel
UK-based Gobbler Boats has installed a pre-engineered system and 3M’s innovative Novec 1230 Fire Protection Fluid from US-headquartered Sea-Fire, on its offshore 290 oil spill recover vessel (OSRV).
The fire suppression fluid has a global warming potential of one, the same as CO2, and its installation shows a commitment to protecting the environment.
“Sea-Fire’s products are well-engineered, produced in IS09001 approved facilities and are technologically on the leading edge,” said Simon Jauncey, Gobbler Boats’ technical manager.
“We chose Novec 1230 because it is in line with our ethos of protecting the environment,” he added.
The 3M next-generation fire suppression fluid is electrically non-conductive and non-corrosive. It has a low toxicity value and offers a high margin of safety for workers within occupied spaces.
Gobbler offshore 290 OSRV does not store recovered oil but tows 13,000l detachable bladders behind the vessel to allow the boat to operate nearly non-stop and collect water-free reusable oil.
It is said to be ideal for shoreline work because it can operate in less than 0.5m of water. Its flexibility means it also carries a Lloyds G3 certification for offshore coverage up to 60nm.
The 8.8m vessel, with a 2.6m beam, was awarded the Seawork 2015 Spirit of Innovation trophy and won the Vessel Design and Construction category.
By Alice Mason
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