Topaz energy and Viking ink life-raft servicing pact

05/06/2014 05:33 AST

Renaissance subsidiary Topaz Energy and Marine, a leading offshore support vessel company and Viking Life-Saving Equipment, a marine and fire safety equipment leader jointly announced the signing of a multi-million dollar, 10-year life-raft servicing agreement.

Under the terms of the contract, Viking will upgrade all of Topaz's current life-rafts and manage the ongoing servicing and certification of Topaz's life-raft fleet.

"This agreement significantly enhances our ability to operate safely which is a top priority for Topaz and for our clients," says Topaz chief executive officer René Kofod-Olsen.

The offshore-focused company achieved a 2013 year free of lost-time accidents and has won several safety awards recognising its leadership in safe operations and employee protection.

The new agreement further strengthens Topaz' Energy's health and safety credentials, raising the bar in an increasingly competitive market.

"Topaz doesn't do things halfway," says Henrik Uhd Christensen, Viking chief executive officer. "Their commitment to safety manifests itself in a systematic, well-planned approach to protecting their employees. With the new agreement they have managed two things at once: lifting overall safety to a new level; and introducing predictable cost-efficiencies."

Track record

"After thoroughly researching the market, we felt confident taking this step. Their extensive servicing network matched our needs and the high reliability of the Viking products, timely servicing of the life rafts and standardisation of the process in line with global best practice was very convincing," explained René Kofod-Olsen.

"The agreement will help to protect our track record and ensure even better safety for the future," he explained.

Henrik Uhd Christensen sees the new agreement as a good example of what can be accomplished when ship owners realise the advantages of putting safety equipment provision and management in the hands of his company.

He pointed out to Viking's status not only as a high-quality manufacturer and servicing provider, but also to the responsible reputation the company has built up over many years in the marketplace.

"This is a text-book example of the value Viking has spent the last two years bringing to the offshore industry, combining top-quality safety equipment with flexible servicing concepts at predictable costs. We're very proud to be working with an insightful company like Topaz that shares our commitment to maritime safety and operational efficiency."

Times of Oman