Beyond speed: designing for flexibility

VIKING Life-Saving Equipment is globally recognised for its life-saving appliances, evacuation systems and maritime safety equipment servicing, but it has also been working to enhance its fast craft and high-performance RHIB portfolio.

Known for its VIKING Norsafe Marathon-800 and S-900 interceptor RHIBs, the company is now unveiling its new 15m Munin platform, which it describes as filling a gap in the fast craft market for vessels working at more moderate high speeds.

Designing for flexibility

Thomas Thompson, naval architect and senior technical director, Boats, Davits and MES Offshore, VIKING Life-Saving Equipment, explains: "Addressing our customers’ actual needs and challenges are our clear priority with the new platform."

"Offering longer range and carrying more payload, the new VIKING Norsafe Munin 1500 is designed for speeds of 30-40knots and up to a maximum of 45knots, compared to our smaller Munin 1400 which has a speed potential over 65knots."

The 15m Munin 1500 has a beam of 4.6m and can carry an 8tonne payload with maximum capacity for 24 people onboard.

Its deep-V hull is constructed of robust vacuum-infused vinylester composite and is designed for maximum operational uptime and reliability across multiple missions, including coastal patrol and surveillance, customs enforcement, search and rescue and pilot transfer.

With engine options of between 750-1,500kW, Munin 1500 boats can be installed with waterjets, IPS or stern drives, depending on customer preference, with mission range given as up to 650nm.

The design has a fully enclosed all-weather cabin and is equipped with shock absorbing seats, in line with the company’s wider fast craft portfolio.

VIKING works with Meyer Norschau Design on exterior and interior design, with a particular emphasis on operator ergonomics and operational requirements.

An engineering evolution

Karl Nilssen, naval architect and senior product manager LBD, VIKING Life-Saving Equipment, explains that