Viking signs major HydroPen contract

With the deal, which also includes the supply of mobile water monitors, the operator’s fleet becomes the first to benefit from the HydroPen System which was developed by Danish company, Rosenby Engineering, to enable crew to tackle costly container fires at heights.

Typically, when container fires are at heights above the reach of the crew, they are fought indirectly by dowsing the burning container and its surroundings with water, a hazardous process that can destroy cargo. The HydroPen System uses pressurised water to drill through container doors, before automatically switching to fire extinguishing mode – putting out the fire directly at its source.

Testing found the HydroPen System to be simple, efficient and flexible for both elevated containers and those in cargo holds using the HydroLock accessory. It only requires one person to use the system, which frees up other personnel for other important tasks during an emergency.

Lasse Boesen, global manager of trade at Viking, which is the exclusive distributor for the HydroPen System, said, “This reflects a lot of the positive feedback Viking has gained after performing tests with some of the world’s largest container ship owners.”

Training required is minimal and the HydroPen System is able to spray water, foam and CO2 into the containers using only a ship’s existing fire hoses and water pressure.