VIKING Life-Saving Equipment, a global leader in maritime safety solutions, has secured a new order for 11 ambulance boats from the Hellenic Coastguard, expanding the coverage provided by VIKING Norsafe vessels to support emergency services for Greek island communities.
The new VIKING Norsafe Munin S-1200 ambulance boats will be used to support emergency services and auxiliary healthcare in remote areas, including the islands of Thassos, Psara, Agios Efstratios, Fournoi, Kea, Lipsi, Kasos, North Evia, Zakynthos and Creta (Sfakia, and Ierapetra).
The contract, signed by Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Christos Stylianides and John Georgiadis, General Manager, Viking Life-Saving Equipment in Greece, specifies 11 high-performance fast rescue boats, with superstructures modified to include a special weathertight door to allow trolley stretchers to enter their enclosed compartments.
According to a government statement, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Christos Stylianides said: “The enhancement of the health capabilities of the Coast Guard will contribute decisively to the sense of security and ultimately to the very well-being of our citizens and especially those who decide to reside and work in-island or in remote areas. They have exactly the same rights and claims that every citizen has.”
The latest contract follows earlier Ministry orders for five Munin S-1200 boats to support emergency services in Sporades, Samothrace, the Saronic Gulf and the Ionian Islands and a separate order for three identical boats stationed in Naxos, Rhodes and Leros in the Aegean Sea.
“VIKING is delighted that the S-1200 continues to expand its central role in healthcare provision for the Greek islands,” said Georgiadis. “Island ambulance services demand boats that meet both National Center for Emergency Health Care (EKAB) and Coast Guard standards for high-performance and low-maintenance for operations day and night and in all weather conditions.”
Manufactured in Greece, the VIKING Norsafe Munin S-1200 is the largest boat currently offered by VIKING and operates safely up to Beaufort force 8 and at wave heights up to 4m. Made from specially reinforced synthetic materials and powered by twin marine diesel engines, these robust 11m-plus long boats reach speeds of over 40 knots and offer an operating range of above 300 nautical miles at full load and economical speed.
“The VIKING Norsafe Munin S-1200 is chosen for its flexibility, reliability and maneuverability by a wide variety of users,” said Georgiadis. “In this application, its installed shock mitigation technology is proving especially important in ensuring safe patient transport and that high-quality medical services can be provided in transit.”