VIKING Life - Saving Equipment A / S - Experts & Thought Leaders

Maintenance, testing, and inspections for onboard fire protection and firefighting systems and appliances are required in accordance with SOLAS Chapter II-2/14.2.2 and must be carried out in a manner having due regard to ensuring the reliability of the systems and appliances. When it comes to fixed firefighting foam systems specifically, work is to be carried out based on the guidelines referred to in MSC.1/Circ.1432. Digitalized planning tools Hereunder, the verification of valves, gauges, and more must be carried out on a monthly basis, while the verification of the quantity of foam concentrate must be carried out each quarter. Also, every year, functional testing and foam sampling must be completed, while every 5 years, inspection systems key components, including the induction system and control valves, must be carried out. VIKING provides a full scope of inspection, repairs, supplies, and certification services carried out by experienced technicians with digitalized planning tools and at a uniformly high level of quality in 150+ ports worldwide. Coolheaded technical advice International Maritime Organization regulations are developed with patience and precision International Maritime Organization regulations are developed with patience and precision, even when their trigger has been an incident screaming out for an immediate response. Shipowners, therefore, have good reason to seek coolheaded technical advice on compliance, especially where the safety of ships and those onboard is at stake. Putting rules into practice often demands further training, better equipment, enhanced service support, and even revising the materials products used by ships and shipping. Marine fire protection Classifications societies play a pivotal role, through approvals, testing, and certification, but it is fair to say that the investment burden falls most heavily on the OEM or service partner, the training organization, connectivity provider, or testing facility. Classifications societies play a pivotal role, through approvals, testing, and certification Recently, significant investment in facilities and expertise to analyze and test firefighting foam performance further underpin VIKING’s strategy to make marine fire protection and firefighting equipment services central to its full-scope partner safety. Within this field alone, VIKING provides a full scope of inspection, repairs, supplies and certification services carried out by experienced technicians with digitalized planning tools and at a uniformly high level of quality in 150+ ports worldwide. Fire-extinguishing systems VIKING has reached an agreement with specialist Dr. Sthamer covering high-quality product supply. However, while firefighting foams can last up to 10 years if properly handled, for foam concentrates used for fixed deck foam fire-extinguishing systems required for tankers, the first periodical control should be performed at a reputable laboratory not more than 3 years after being supplied to the ship, and after that, every year. In line with its unfolding strategy for marine fire equipment services, VIKING Life-Saving Equipment has been investing in its specialized VIKING Foam Lab Odense to augment its capabilities in testing ship reserves of firefighting foam. Contamination chemical resistance Foam Lab Odense is equipped to perform the necessary tests for low and high expansion International standards and quality management systems for marine firefighting foam (IMO1312 and IMO670) include requirements for test equipment. Foam Lab Odense is equipped to perform the necessary tests for low and high expansion, drainage time, pH value, density, and contamination chemical resistance, as well as undertaking conductivity and small-scale fire tests. Recently, the lab took delivery of a sophisticated testing device, which optically reads drainage time and ensures a consistent test process. Their ambition is to cover all aspects of marine firefighting equipment, and their new state-of-the-art laboratory puts them on the global map in terms of testing facilities too. Their class approvals comply with IMO regulations for testing all foam types, and they expect to receive DANAK accreditation in the course of 2021 as the ultimate stamp of approval for their work. Prepaid shipping label The expert laboratory service offers a new user-friendly test kit package solution for shipowners, comprising a container for collecting a foam sample, instructions on how to take the sample on board, and a prepaid shipping label. Once tested in Odense, the service check list and data are saved electronically via an iPad, and a certificate is issued to verify completion of the test. This ensures traceability and enables monitoring of the condition of the foam. The expert laboratory service supports a new user-friendly test kit package solution for shipowners They initially expect to handle more than 1,000 foam samples a year, received directly from global shipowners and from its own servicing stations. They are a global player with the support of a strong network, and the foam lab will strengthen the maritime customers’ perception of them as a competent partner and full-service supplier to the marine fire service segment.  Extending beyond logistics It is a competence extending beyond logistics to include advisory support based on manufacturer guidance on the required condition of foams storage and handling on board ship, but also tank condition analysis and cleaning, refilling, and foam disposal services. Indeed, marine fire service is often sourced as part of VIKING’s multi-annual service contract for maritime operators, the VIKING Shipowner Agreement, and is also offered to the oil and gas industry as part of their Offshore Service Agreement. Foam analysis is a naturally integrable part of both of these agreement concepts.

The use of electric cars is rapidly increasing. But with the transition to electric transportation comes a new challenge: Vehicles with lithium-ion batteries can be especially dangerous when they catch fire. The request for solutions to handle these challenges in the maritime markets has also increased during the last few months. Hence, they at VIKING have teamed up with two global players to help the customers with the challenges, that might occur. Rosenbauer Battery Extinguisher System (BEST) The new Rosenbauer BEST system safely and quickly extinguishes fires in high-voltage batteries based on lithium-ion technology, which is typically used in electric vehicles.  Features:  Safer for crew Fast and effective Resource-efficient Tested on all European and American battery types Tested in practice and under realistic conditions Research and development of the system included trials involving a large range of battery systems and complete vehicles European emergency response services have tested the system for months and provided valuable feedback on its practical applications. Research and development of the system included trials involving a large range of battery systems and complete vehicles. The system has been tested with all known battery types used by European and American manufacturers of passenger cars, trucks, and vans. The tested batteries had capacities of up to 120 kWh. Bridgehill fire blanket The Bridgehill car fire blanket can be used to cover a burning vehicle. The blanket will immediately isolate flames and fumes and the fire will soon extinguish due to lack of oxygen. If the fire has reached the battery of an electric vehicle, the fire blanket will contain the fire until other steps are taken. Features:  Fast and efficient Intuitive and easy to use Eco-friendly and non-toxic Universal as it works on all types of vehicles

When it comes to sustainability reporting, the so-called Scope 1, 2 and 3 definitions are slowly becoming the global standard by which companies account for their Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. In brief; Scope 1 emissions cover the Green House Gas emissions that are owned or controlled by a company. For example, emissions coming from owned vehicles and boilers are included in this Scope. Scope 2 emissions account for the indirect emissions originated from the purchased electricity, steam, heat, and cooling.  Lastly, Scope 3 emissions encompass the residual indirect emissions not covered by Scope 2. These emissions incorporate all greenhouse gases for which the company holds responsibility within its supply chain. Examples of Scope 3 emissions include those from leased vehicles, water usage, and transportation, among others. Carbon neutrality in 2030 VIKING has invested heavily in gathering precise and granular emission data Since 2021, VIKING has invested heavily in gathering precise and granular emission data and thus creating the needed transparency throughout the global Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. There is no doubt about the complexity of the calculations of the Green House Gases, and VIKING has experienced this complexity since 2021, when it started the journey towards carbon neutrality in 2030. In the course of this journey, they have learned and created a multi-year plan of targeted initiatives that also involve close collaboration with the suppliers and customers to map the full greenhouse gas inventory in both the upstream and downstream value chain of VIKING. Standardized data-driven approach Whereas 2022 was a year where they focused mainly on their own production and use of materials, 2023 was a year where they expanded these insights through a global and standardized data-driven approach: In 2023, they worked closely with the transportation partners to get an overview of emissions from transportation while also optimizing transportation patterns to reduce the carbon footprint. Similarly, they have used a data-driven approach to map and reduce their own emissions from transportation, including business trips to and from global locations. In 2023, they have also invested significant resources in mapping and reducing the emissions that arise from the service of the products, whether this service takes place at the customer’s location, or products are transported to one of the global service stations for maintenance. Finally, in 2023, they have expanded and strengthened the collaboration with the key global suppliers, working together to increase transparency. They will continue and accelerate this work in 2024 and beyond. global emission data model These data all add to the already existing global emission data model, which includes electricity These data all add to the already existing global emission data model, which includes electricity, water, heating, and cooling, as well as all of the major materials and other dimensions.  To ensure consistency and reliability, they continued the close collaboration with external expert companies whose extensive data platforms help companies worldwide calculate, document, and share their company’s and products’ carbon footprint based on leading life-cycle science. Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol These two years of calculation have empowered VIKING to construct a comprehensive picture of its Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. This representation has been assembled using consistent data collected across the various sites, supplemented by certain robust assumptions. These assumptions are anticipated to be refined in the forthcoming years as more data becomes available. This iterative process underscores VIKING’s commitment to continuous improvement in its environmental impact assessment.

Trends in garments and protective gear for firefighters are evolving to address the changing needs of the fire service. Garments worn by firefighters must be comfortable and allow an adequate range of motion. They must protect first responders from hazards such as heat and exposure to blood-borne pathogens. Fire service clothing must be durable to withstand long-term usage in hostile environments. “It’s personal for everyone in the industry,” says Oliver Spoecker, Director, Workwear & Protective Wear and Global Commercial Director for Lenzing. “Firefighters have to be kept safe by the best all-around protective fabrics.” He says fibers must be comfortable, breathable and safe.” Fire-Resistant qualities Flame resistance is a fundamental property for fibers in the fire service. Lenzing FR (Flame Resistant) Fibers are sustainably produced on three continents by the multi-billion-dollar company. The cellulosic fibers come from wood and then are made inherently flame retardant by introducing a pigment into the carbon matrix that provides fire-resistant qualities. Another concern in the fire service is stress from excess body heat caused by exertion The flame resistance is an integral part of the fiber and therefore cannot be washed out or worn out over time; the fire resistance endures as long as the garment. Another concern in the fire service is stress from excess body heat caused by exertion, and FR fibers are breathable to address the issue. Because the fiber comes from natural substances, there are no dangers of exposure to skin. Fire service market Lenzing fibers are familiar to ex-soldiers who later become firefighters. The uniforms of U.S. soldiers in Iran and Afghanistan contained Lenzing fibers. In fact, the breakthrough in military applications gave the company a push to enter the fire service market in 2007. DuPont produces Nomex Xtreme Performance fibers that provide protection, thermal performance and toughness for firefighters. They contain the heat and flame protection of DuPont Nomex with the lightweight strength of DuPont Kevlar, and the thermal damage tolerance and durability of high-performance materials such as PBO, Nomex Nano, and Nomex Nano Flex. Nomex fibers are incorporated into garments by manufacturers such as Fire-Dex, Globe Manufacturing, Lion, Veridian, and Viking. Comfort and flexibility are guiding the development of newer garments. Lighter-Weight jackets A triple-certified garment addresses the budget restraints of many departments For example, 5.11 Tactical has introduced lighter-weight jackets, outerwear, and a duty uniform that combine an ‘old-school’ aesthetic with better comfort and a better range of motion. Flexible fabrics, including a polyester-cotton blend, and adjusted fit are elements in the new line. Viking has introduced the new Viking Shield clothing line that meets the requirements of three different applications: technical rescue and extrication (NFPA 1951), emergency medical services (NFPA 1999), and wildland firefighting (NFPA 1977). A triple-certified garment addresses the budget restraints of many departments. The approach is cost-effective and cost-efficient, says Grant Grinstead, Viking’s Fire Segment Sales Manager for North America. Providing structural protection A surprising element is how lightweight the garment is. “A lot of firefighters are shocked because they didn’t know there was a product like this,” says Grinstead. “The big thing is the light weight and the feel of it, and it is made in tailored sizes.” Viking has provided structural protection (turnout gear) to firefighters for two decades. Introduction of the new Shield product can help reserve a company’s turnout gear for the 30 to 40% of calls that require it. For the other 60 to 70% of calls, the new multi-use, lightweight garments can provide more comfort for firefighters.