Vestdavit launches MissionEase multi-boat handling system

NORWAY-based boat handling system and specialised davit supplier Vestdavit has designed a multiple-boat handling system which will make boat handling safer and simpler in the hangars and mission bays of warships, seismic craft and expedition yachts. The MissionEase system can stow, launch and retrieve up to seven different RIBS, daughter boats and USVs in high seas from within a protected hangar.

Atle Kalve, Development Director, Vestdavit, says, “MissionEase is simpler, quicker, safer and cheaper than any boat handling system available. It brings together all our experience with naval and seismic ships to make the best use of a hangar or mission bay.”

MissionEase works on a system of hydraulic cradles which moves boats safely from stowage positions to maintenance, preparation or launch areas of the mission bay. It links seamlessly with dual or single-point davits to deploy or recover boats in high seas from either side of the vessel.

Kalve explains, “The ability to deploy and recover boats safely is part of the main armament of today’s warships, and critical to seismic work and for expedition cruise ships and yachts. A midships hangar or mission bay allows the boats to be stored, maintained, prepared and launched from a safe environment with a dry, high freeboard. But existing systems rely on overhead gantries to move the boats within the bay. When the ship is moving that is dangerous, and slinging and unslinging takes time. MissionEase allows the boats to be moved safely and quickly within the bay on the cradles, even in high seas or with a list on the vessel. The boats are fed directly to the davits for launch, or feed directly back into the stow when recovered.”

In addition to a wide range of types and sizes of boats and Unmanned Surface Vehicles MissionEase will also handle standard TEU containers for stores and armament when the vessel is in port.

Vestdavit is patenting the multi-cradle apparatus at the heart of the MissionEase system and is in discussions with major navies about fitting it to the next generation of warships.

To access a video showing the MissionEase system in operation please contact post@vestdavit.no

For downloadable photos of Vestdavit MissionEase systems go to   http://bit.ly/nfnCu5   or email john@merlinco.com

Vestdavit designs, supplies and supports tailor-made solutions for launching and recovering boats in difficult conditions at sea. Its range of boat handling systems and davits are the first choice of navies, coastguards, seismic survey operators, pilot authorities and offshore operators who need to be able to operate small boats safely from larger vessels. Since 1975 Bergen-based Vestdavit has supplied over 1,900 davits and side and stern launch systems. They have proven themselves over more than 30 years use in the North Sea and other harsh environments around the world. Self-tensioning and shock absorbing systems ensure crew safety and widen the operational window for the users. Vestdavit’s key focus is on operational effectiveness, safety and the reliability of its equipment. www.vestdavit.no

For more information:                               

Atle Kalve                                                    

Development Director

Vestdavit                                                       

+ 47 90 89 39 39                                           

atle.kalve@vestdavit.no