Global Survival Technology solutions provider Survitec has cut the ribbon on a new customer service centre in Miami, Florida, doubling its operations to facilitate anticipated demand for its award-winning Advanced Evacuation System, Seahaven, which received full classification approval last year.

The new 371m² facility will also provide round-the-clock sales and service support to cruise ship operators, from one centralised location and with one point of contact.

“Investing in this new facility is very much in support of the industry’s post-pandemic recovery, but we are also preparing the site for the servicing of Seahaven,” said Survitec Chief Executive Officer Robert Kledal. “Based on increased enquiries, we need an advanced, state-of-the-art sales and servicing site to meet anticipated demand. This will be the primary US hub for servicing Seahaven, the world’s largest inflatable lifeboat.

“The immediate goal is to improve operational efficiencies for the cruise ship owner. By removing their reliance on internal resources and local suppliers, we eliminate their administrative burden, thus reducing the cost of compliance. This way, we improve operational efficiencies and reliability, optimising the way in which owners and operators protect their assets, passengers and crews,” he added.

Miami, the US cruise industry’s home port, is poised for an exceptionally strong season. The Port of Miami welcomed more than 4 million cruise vacationers last year, with analysts predicting an increase this year as more new ships enter service. Thirteen new cruise ships are scheduled to join the world fleet this year, adding to the 20 launched last year and the ten in 2021.

“Our new Miami cruise centre is now open and fully equipped to help operators and crews maintain and service all their vessels’ Marine Evacuation Systems (MES), liferafts, lifejackets and life-saving appliances.

“The cruise sector is expanding with a significant number of newbuilds due to enter service for various brands. With this new facility, we are able to provide our customers with a single, dedicated cruise centre capable of managing all our cruise customers’ safety needs. It truly is a one-stop-shop,” concluded Kledal.