HOBART’s Liferaft Systems Australia (LSA) has signed a lucrative new contract with long-term customer BC Ferries of Canada to marine evacuation systems (MES) for four new ferries under construction in China.
China Merchants Industry Weihai’s shipyard is building the ‘Major’-class vessels for the British Columbia operator which is in the process of undertaking a fleet renewal.
LSA will supply each vessel with 4 x 22m MES consisting of a 22m inflatable side with a 100-person SOLAS liferaft attached. Additional 22 x 100 person SOLAS liferafts will be linked to the MES providing a total liferaft capacity per vessel of 2,600 persons.
LSA managing director Mike Grainger said: “This is a significant contract for LSA and was concluded after substantial technical information was provided to the shipbuilder and the ferry owners. The contract was signed with Chinese equipment supplier Leading Group based in Shanghai, who will represent LSA for the duration of the contract with CMI Weihai.”
LSA’s North American manager Vlad Prato said BC Ferries was a highly respected ferry operator and one of the company’s long-term customers, having installed their very first LSA MES 21 years ago.
Then relationship was endorsed by Ed Hooper, Head of Fleet Renewal, BC Ferries. “LSA’s MES have been in service on BC Ferries vessels for more than two decades. Theirs is a proven system that can be maintained right here in British Columbia and also meets stringent international maritime safety standards, supports reliability, crew training consistency, and operational readiness as we introduce the new Major vessels.”
The contract delivery of the MES for ship No.1 is scheduled for the first quarter of 2028.
All of the equipment supplied for this project will be designed and manufactured from the LSA facility in Derwent Park, Hobart, generating significant export dollars for Tasmania whilst employing over 75 full time employees. Long term maintenance for the equipment will be completed in British Columbia by local technicians.
LSA’s current order book extends through to 2033 for supply of MES to all corners of the globe.