It has been discovered that certain types of our inflatable life rafts (hereafter referred to as “rafts”) have a slight possibility of damage to the rubber-coated fabric air chambers when being dropped and inflated. This may occur due to interference with other components—such as when a mooring rope damages the chamber during the drop, or when the chamber becomes caught in the container while inflating after landing on water.

After considering this issue, we have decided to offer free replacement of certain parts or products. We would like to inform you of this decision.

Each raft is equipped with two air chambers, and we have confirmed that even if one is damaged, the other provides sufficient buoyancy. Furthermore, no tests have shown both chambers being damaged simultaneously. We are currently developing improved replacement products and working toward obtaining type approval from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism to prevent such incidents in the future.

We have already contacted affected shipowners to schedule free replacement of relevant parts or products. Once the replacement product type has been approved, we (including authorized maintenance contractors) will contact shipowners again and proceed with the replacement work at certified maintenance facilities nationwide—either while the vessel is docked or during regular inspections.

To complete this process swiftly and efficiently, we kindly ask shipowners who have received our notice to provide the contact details of the person in charge of managing the vessel. We greatly appreciate your cooperation.

We sincerely apologize for any concern or inconvenience this matter may have caused.

We will continue striving to improve our product quality and service to help ensure safety at sea. Thank you for your continued understanding and support.

■ Applicable Types

[Parts Replacement]

Type	Type Approval No.	Remarks
FRN-SV-15RT	No. 4373	Raft for tankers
FRN-SN-6	No. 4695	Drop raft
FRN-SN-10	No. 4696	Drop raft
FRN-SN-15	No. 4697	Drop raft
FRN-SN-20	No. 4698	Drop raft
FRN-SN-25	No. 4699	Drop raft
FRN-PF-34	No. 5006	Buoyant apparatus for general use
FRN-PF-55	No. 4923	Buoyant apparatus for general use
FRN-PF-42S	No. 4922	Buoyant apparatus for RoRo passenger vessels

[Product Replacement]

Type	Type Approval No.	Remarks
FRN-SV-25RD	No. 4446	Launching raft

■ Contact

FUJIKURA COMPOSITES Inc.
Sales Department, Rubber-Coated Fabric and Processed Goods Division

Tel: +81-48-794-2218

Email: kakouhin@fc.fujikura.co.jp

February 4, 2025

FUJIKURA COMPOSITES Inc.