Kystverket Conducts Sea Trial with Samson
Samson recently completed a sea exercise to validate performance of the recently developed EVATS system, an emergency towing exercise was led by the Norwegian Coastal Administration in a fjord southwest of Sortland, Norway.
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 more efficient, reducing risk and increasing the probability of a favorable outcome. 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.
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.