Survitec, a global leader in Survival Technology, has received a formal Technology Qualification Statement from DNV for Seahaven, its Advanced Evacuation System , marking progress in passenger ship evacuation.

The Seahaven system configuration comprises two self-propelled inflatable survival craft, with a combined evacuation capacity of up to 1,060 passengers. The crafts are embarked via four vertical escape helical slides, enabling rapid embarkation from the vessel.

DNV conducted the rigorous Technology Qualification (TQ) process in accordance with DNV’s Recommended Practice DNV RP A203. This independent assessment confirms that the Seahaven system has been qualified to operate within defined limits and perform reliably under emergency conditions.

Jonny Whiteside, Chief Operating Officer at Survitec, said, “This Technology Qualification from DNV marks a significant milestone, demonstrating the system’s proven reliability through rigorous testing and independent evaluation. It reinforces an already well-established foundation of validation, complementing assessments conducted by Lloyd’s Register, RINA, and Bureau Veritas, and positioning Seahaven as a smarter and safer evacuation solution.”

“We are advancing strategic discussions with leading operators to install Seahaven across cruise fleets, reflecting strong market interest and a shared commitment to elevating safety standards at sea.”

Dr. Daniel Povel, Senior Principal Specialist Passenger Ship Safety and Risk Assessment at DNV Maritime Advisory stated, “We are pleased to support Survitec in advancing this innovative technology towards application in passenger vessels. Through DNV’s Technology Qualification process, the Seahaven system has been independently assessed against defined performance requirements and acceptance criteria. The work undertaken in the TQ forms a valuable basis for the Alternative Design and Arrangement (AD&A) process.”

DNV reviewed an extensive technical test and verification programme underpinning the system’s design and operation. The programme focused on full-scale deployment trials, slide integrity and descent evaluations, embarkation simulations at maximum capacity, propulsion performance assessments and manoeuvrability trials under representative operating conditions. Structural endurance, redundancy of critical components and resilience under load were all examined to confirm safe sailing-away functionality following evacuation.

DNV also examined Seahaven’s repeated deployment testing to demonstrate on-demand operational reliability, addressing the absence of prescriptive reliability requirements in the existing SOLAS/LSA framework for such alternative systems. Seahaven is a novel arrangement under international maritime safety frameworks. Designed as a direct alternative to conventional lifeboats, the system replaces traditional rigid craft with propelled inflatable survival units while integrating key functionalities typically associated with both lifeboats and Marine Evacuation Systems (MES).

With DNV’s Technology Qualification completed, Survitec is well-positioned to progress the required AD&A process and the integration of Seahaven into both newbuild and retrofit passenger vessels. The system introduces an alternative technical approach to large-capacity evacuation, underpinned by independent technical assessments and a robust, performance-based safety case, providing operators with a reliable and forward-looking solution for enhanced passenger safety.