FOLS  stay for Fixed Outboard Launching System.

The FOLS fixed launching system type is designed for a particular ship’s design allowing to install the boats (tender-boats or lifeboats up to 300 people) in a fixed position outboard below the protrusion of the promenade deck.

The launching systems are of fixed type since the boats are directly launched into the sea without having to be first extended out of the deck area and recovered from their stowed position without any travelling movement of the beams and only gravity is used for the launching.

In terms of safety this new arrangement generates great benefits since it helps saving valuable time in case of emergency.

There are great benefits also in terms of maintenance, since there are no hydraulic or electrical devices on the davits to be looked after.

The Securing mechanism for the FOLS system has been originally studied by the group for the Carnival Dream (ex hull 6151), delivered from Fincantieri Monfalcone in September 2009. For the biggest Carnival units, Carnival Magic, (ex hull 6167) and Carnival Breeze (ex unit 6201), the group provided a FOLS system for n°18 life/tenderboats with capacity for 285 people.