Liferaft Systems Australia (LSA) are pleased to announce that they have secured a contract to supply their world leading Marine Evacuation Systems (MES) for four new “Major Vessel” class ferries under construction at China Merchants Industry Weihai’s (CMI Weihai) shipyard for BC Ferries, located in British Columbia, Canada.
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 2600 persons.
LSA Managing Director Mike Grainger said today: “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 North American Manager Mr Vlad Prato added: “BC Ferries is a highly respected ferry operator globally and is one of our long-term customers, having installed their very first LSA MES twenty-one years ago. We have a strong, professional relationship with BC Ferries and contracting to supply the four New Major Class vessels has further strengthened this relationship”.
The contract delivery of the MES for ship No.1 is scheduled for the first quarter of 2028.
“The safety of our customers and crew is our number one priority,” said Ed Hooper, Head of Fleet Renewal, BC Ferries. “Liferaft Systems Australia is an established global supplier whose Marine Evacuation Systems 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.”
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.
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