With seven Vestdavit systems on board, HMS Protector is the company’s unofficial flagship. The advanced icebreaker provides a UK presence in the Antarctic and meets treaty obligations on inspections and hydrographical charting as well as in support of scientific research. As part of its latest refit, the state-of-the-art vessel has been equipped with a specially enhanced PLR-5000 davit from Vestdavit.

Designed to support missions by a newer and larger fast-rescue craft, the new davit is fully winterized to function in adherence to the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters and in Sea State 5 conditions. Its wide operating window is made possible by proven features supplied by Vestdavit as standard, including shock absorbers, high-performance winches and a constant-tension system.

In line with the Royal Navy’s exacting requirements for its harsh Antarctic operating environment, the PLR-5000 davit system supplied will be certified in accordance with DNV-GL rules as having been designed and built to operate in temperatures as low as -40°C.