Survitec Seahaven system gains BV approval

Seahaven system approved as novel life-saving appliance

Survitec has announced that Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore has issued a Review Attestation for its Seahaven evacuation system.

The attestation classifies Seahaven as a novel life-saving appliance under IMO Resolution A.520(13).

According to Survitec, the classification followed a detailed technical review by Bureau Veritas (BV).

The assessment included analysis of design documentation, performance testing, and operational calculations.

BV confirmed the system met the necessary regulatory requirements for deployment on high-capacity vessels.

Technical review confirms compliance and system performance

Survitec explained that Seahaven is designed to evacuate up to 1,060 people in under 22 minutes.

The system uses a combination of two survival crafts and four helical slides in a fully integrated arrangement.

Each survival craft holds up to 530 people and is powered by twin diesel engines certified under SOLAS and MED.

The system was tested in conditions equivalent to Beaufort Force 6 and 3-metre wave heights.

BV’s assessment confirmed Seahaven met all evacuation and operational testing requirements.

The slides were tested with individuals including infants, children, and people with reduced mobility.

BV’s review concluded the system met expectations for environmental resilience and endurance.

Industry leaders comment on regulatory milestone

Matthieu de Tugny, President of Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, said: “The Seahaven system introduces a powerful solution for passenger evacuation, meeting evolving maritime safety needs and paving the way for wider adoption.

“Safety is always our first priority. BV is pleased to support stakeholders, like Survitec, to help make sure innovations align with global safety standards.”

Claude Sada, Chief Operating Officer at Survitec, said: “The endorsement by BV validates years of engineering, operational testing, and consultation with ship owners and yards.

“This attestation is a milestone to broader market readiness.

“It affirms not just the technical integrity of the system, but its relevance to ship operators who need smarter, safer solutions that reduce complexity and improve survivability.”

Installation, training, and environmental testing

Survitec stated that Seahaven can be installed on both newbuild and retrofit ships.

The modular system can be installed at heights up to 28 metres.

Testing confirmed the craft can travel at 6 knots for 24 hours and tow another fully loaded craft at 3 knots.

Additional tests verified performance in extreme hot and cold conditions.

The company also reported that Seahaven includes full training and service support.

Maintenance and inspection plans are aligned with SOLAS Regulation III/20 requirements.

Study shows operational and design advantages

Survitec said Seahaven has been the focus of a separate review by Foreship, a naval architecture firm.

The study was presented at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami.

According to Survitec, the study showed that Seahaven offers benefits in space savings and operational efficiency.

The system may also reduce weight and improve installation options on cruise ships.

Survitec added that it is working with shipyards and owners to incorporate Seahaven in upcoming projects.

Survitec Seahaven system gains BV approval: Summary

Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore has issued a Review Attestation for Survitec’s Seahaven evacuation system.

The attestation recognises Seahaven as a novel life-saving appliance under IMO Resolution A.520(13).

The classification followed technical review of design, testing data, and performance calculations.

Seahaven is designed to evacuate up to 1,060 people in under 22 minutes.

The system uses two survival crafts and four vertical helical slides.

Each craft holds 530 people and is powered by twin SOLAS-approved diesel engines.

Testing confirmed the system can deploy in sea states up to Beaufort Force 6.

BV verified the system’s compliance with evacuation and performance requirements.

Slides were tested with children, infants, and persons with reduced mobility.

Environmental testing confirmed performance in extreme temperatures.

The system can operate continuously at 6 knots for 24 hours.

It can tow a fully loaded second craft at 3 knots.

Survitec developed support materials in line with SOLAS Regulation III/20.

Naval architects Foreship studied the system for design and space-saving benefits.

That study was presented at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami.

Survitec is working with shipyards and owners to support future deployments.