Cosalt agrees marine evacuation system deal

01 October 2008

COSALT Italy will be helping to ensure the safety of passengers on two of the newest, biggest and most luxurious cruise ships in the Mediterranean.

THE MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, 133,000 tonne giants which will enter service over the next year, will be equipped with the RFD Marin-Ark marine evacuation system.

The system allows passengers to transfer quickly and safely from the ship directly into liferafts without exposure to the weather.

MSC Cruises has ordered an ESU (Exchange Unit for the Marin Ark) through Cosalt Italy. When a Marin Ark needs servicing the exchange unit takes its place.

The ESU will stay in the Cosalt Livorno branch and will be used for the first service of the cruise ship systems.

Cosalt Italy General Manager Sam Russomanno said: "An agreement between MSC Cruises and Cosalt Italy is in place for the servicing of the eight systems that will be on board the two MSC new builds."

MSC Fantasia and Splendida have been built at St Nazaire in France. They are the two largest ships to be built by a European ship owner. Both are six times as tall as the Tower of Pisa and will have 1,637 cabins able to accommodate 3,274 passengers.

Salvatore added: "Moreover all the safety items on board the MSC Cruise vessels are delivered from Cosalt Italy."

MSC Cruises is a division of the Mediterranean Shipping Company, the world's largest privately-owned shipping line with headquarters in Sorrento. 

Issued on behalf of Cosalt Safety and Protection by Nigel Lowther Associates Ltd. Media inquiries should be referred to Sarah Avery on 01472 504288 or Nigel Lowther (0792 0102303).