Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket) conducts EVATS™ Sea Trial with Samson
Apr 03, 2019
Ferndale, WA April 3, 2019 — Samson, the leading developer of high-performance synthetic rope solutions and global market leader in commercial marine applications, is pleased to announce the completion of a sea exercise to further validate performance
of the recently developed EVATS™ system.
This emergency towing exercise was led by the Norwegian Coastal Administration in a fjord southwest of Sortland, Norway, during scheduled training exercises.
Samson, the Alaska Maritime Prevention & Response Network (Alaska Network) and Kystvakte (Norwegian Coast Guard) crew members participated in a system briefing and orientation on March 7, and then commenced the sea trial on the March 8, 2019. Two
Kystvakte vessels, the KV Barentshav and the KV Sortland, were used in the exercise to test the EVATS™ system in an on-water towing configuration for the first time. The purpose of the exercise was to demonstrate the enhanced capabilities of
the system.
EVATS™ is designed to make the towing connection to a disabled vessel at sea safer and significantly more efficient than current practices, reducing risk and increasing the probability of a favorable outcome. Since most vessels are not
outfitted with dedicated strongpoints and emergency towing arrangements, the EVATS™ system is designed to have near-universal compatibility, accounting for known differences in vessels. The primary strength members, high-performance
synthetic rope designed by Samson, allow for easy handling, quick deployment, and low system weight.
During the test, the team was able to successfully deploy, test and recover the EVATS™. Tension gauges on the tow winch indicated 25MT+ on the tension mode and 50MT+ on the brake mode. The hawser bushing, a unique and critical component
of the patented EVATS™ system, slid well, with the load-sharing features’ effectiveness clearly demonstrated. Recovery and inspection of the system showed no abrading or damage that would undermine immediate reuse of the system.
Upon completion of the exercise and detailed debrief, the full test team concluded that the exercise was a success. The EVATS™ system demonstrated itself as effective and practical, far exceeding expectations of the Samson and Alaska Network
test team.
“Congratulations to the entire team in successfully field testing the EVATS™! This is a significant milestone in demonstrating to the maritime community how this system, using cutting-edge rope technology, enhances emergency towing safety
and effectiveness under the very unpredictable and hazardous nature during an emergency tow of a distressed ocean-going vessel,” says Buddy Custard, President & Chief Executive Officer for the Alaska Maritime Prevention & Response Network.
“On behalf of the 465 member shipping companies the Alaska Network supports, I sincerely appreciate the interest and professionalism of the Norwegian Coast Guard who made this exercise a safe and successful undertaking.”
“Working with experts in exercises such as these allows us to optimize design and develop solutions that work,” says Heather Newland, Director – Commercial Marine for Samson. “Much appreciation to the Norwegian Coastal Administration
for taking part in this trial and for their interest and dedication to continued safety improvements in emergency towing.”
The EVATS™ system development team included Glosten, a Seattle, WA-based marine engineering firm, with technical support from Samson, input from salvage engineers and the Alaska Network who provided funding and overall guidance on the project.
EVATS™ is devised for easy deployment in emergency towing and near-shore salvage operations, and it can be delivered either from the towing vessel or via rescue helicopter.
About Norwegian Coastal Administration
(Norwegian: Kystverket) is a Norwegian government agency responsible for the water
transport infrastructure along the 9,200 km coast of Norway. It is responsible for coastal navigation infrastructure, pilotage and harbour and port infrastructure. The NCA is further responsible for response to acute pollution in Norway,
focusing especially on marine pollution from ship accidents. The agency is subordinate to the Ministry of Transport and Communications. The main office is in Ålesund.
About Samson
For 141 years, Samson has been recognized as a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of high-performance ropes. Today, Samson engineers continue to pioneer the use of new fiber technology and the development
of innovative coatings and constructions to produce ropes with unprecedented performance characteristics. For more about Samson, visit www.samsonrope.com . Samson is part of Wind River Holding® portfolio of operating companies. For more information about
Wind River Holdings® , visit www.windriverholdings.com .
About the Alaska Maritime Prevention & Response Network
The Alaska Maritime Prevention & Response Network is a nonprofit organization governed by industry representatives that provides compliance to over 4,400 enrolled vessels.
When an enrolled vessel operates in Western Alaska and Prince William Sound, they benefit from the Alaska Network’s best management practices and response capabilities to comply with U.S. federal tank and non-tank oil pollution prevention
and response regulations. For more information about the Alaska Network visit www.alaskaseas.org.
The EVATS™ system is the subject of the following pending patent applications: U.S. Patent Application Nos. 15/611,384 and 15/611,195, and International Patent Application Nos. PCT/US2017/037732 and PCT/US2017/037673.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Samson
Heather Newland
Business Director – Commercial Marine
hnewland@samsonrope.com
360-325-7954
Network
Jim Butler
Director, External & Regulatory Affairs
james.butler@alaskaseas.org
907-398-8866
Norwegian Coastal Administration
Ola K. Jordheim
Senior Engineer, Section for Logistics and Technology Centre for Emergency Responce
ola.jordheim@kystverket.no
+47 905 14 475