World record for freefall lifeboat
The boat was loaded with seven tonnes to simulate the full capacity of 70 people. As part of the test, the engine was started immediately and was left running for four hours along with different manoeuvring tests.
The FF1200 is said to be the only lifeboat that has completed the full-scale tests set by the new requirements for freefall lifeboats on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, DNV-OS-E406 standard, according to Schat-Harding. After the freefall test, the FF1200 is now the highest certified freefall lifeboat, the Norway-headquartered manufacturer said.
The FF1200 was designed to drop safely from greater heights and to meet stringent new standards for performance in heavy seas that will facilitate the evacuation of rigs and installations in the Norwegian North Sea.