JFD said it has delivered the first two lifeboats which form part of the company’s new safety-advanced range of self-propelled hyperbaric lifeboats (SPHLs).

In February 2016, JFD won a multi-million-pound contract to design and manufacture six SPHLs; four 18-man and two 24-man, as part of the saturation diving systems on board a new fleet of diving support vessels (DSVs). Final testing on the first two 18-man SPHLs has now been completed and they are ready for installation and commissioning following the launching ceremony held on September 12, 2017.

These lifeboats mark the first to be completed as part of a new partnership between JFD and Vanguard to develop a range of next generation SPHLs and integrated davit systems which lead the way in terms of operational safety standards for saturation divers. The partnership combines JFD’s chamber manufacture and design expertise with Singapore-based lifeboat manufacturer, Vanguard.

Ben Sharples, JFD business execution director said: “The delivery of these first two SPHLs is a huge milestone for JFD. Our highly experienced engineering and manufacturing teams have put in an incredible amount of hard work and dedication which has resulted in the production and delivery of two of the most safety-advanced SPHLs on the market.

“JFD is now in a very strong position, able to offer a range of lifeboats to suit a variety of specifications. We are looking forward to being able to offer our clients an even more encompassing solution for their saturation system requirements.”