Forum Energy Technologies to Build Life-Support Pods for Greek Navy

Forum Energy Technologies, Inc. has delivered two of its emergency life support store (ELSS) pods to the Hellenic Navy. The contract, which marks FET’s first supply to Greece’s naval force, will see the business manufacture the two pods at its facility in Kirkbymoorside, Yorkshire, UK.  

ELSS pods are pressure-tight storage vessels used by naval units as part of a submarine rescue system. In the event of a submarine crew becoming stranded below sea, FET’s ELSS pods are able to deliver life-preserving materials such as medical equipment and supplies to the crew until a full rescue can be deployed. 

FET has a successful track record of supplying equipment and vehicles to the global defense market, most recently delivering its highly advanced submarine rescue vehicle (SRV). The vehicle was built to meet the most up-to-date industry standards and is classed by Lloyds Register. 

The company’s ELSS pods are designed to be nominally 10kg negatively buoyant in seawater, which enables them to be delivered to the distressed submarine by a swimmer, an atmospheric diving suit (ADS), a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) or the rescue submersible itself. 

Comprising a cylindrical pressure vessel with a removable end cap, the pods are manufactured from aluminum and coated with yellow Xylan. This delivers a resilient solution for deck handling and deployment, even in harsh environments. 

The removable end cap, which is constructed from aluminum alloy and fitted with a stainless-steel lifting handle, also features a pressure equalizing valve to ensure the cylinder is not under or over-pressurized before being opened. 

Kevin Taylor, FET’s Vice President - Subsea Vehicles said: “Submarine rescue operations are complex, safety-critical missions with the safety and wellbeing of those onboard the distressed vessel always of the highest importance. The innovative design of the pods allows them to be utilized across a wide range of missions.  

“FET has supported military organizations and naval forces for more than 45 years and we have a strong understanding of the industry’s needs. Our ELSS pods are manufactured to meet the strict efficiency and reliability specifications required for crucial rescue operations. We are proud to be delivering this leading technology directly to the Hellenic Navy.”