Ovatek manufactures the only “safe haven” self -righting rigid liferafts in the world. These unique products significantly improve a user’s chance of surviving a sea disaster. The company was founded in 1995. Its head office and manufacturing facilities are located in a 1,500 square meter facility in Bas-Caraquet, New Brunswick, Canada. The company is proud of its reputation as designers and builders of quality products.
The company’s mission is “To become an international leader in marine survival technology.”
Ovatek has previously sold exclusively to the offshore fishing industry of Eastern Canada. In 1998 their target has been the inshore fishery (boats under 45’) and the commercial shipping industry including container ships, bulk carriers, and ocean tugboats. The company is also interested in selling its product to the petroleum industry, in particular for use on offshore unmanned drilling platforms.
In November 1995 after 10 years of research and development the company began production of the Esperanto 6, a six-person unsinkable rigid life raft. The features of the Esperanto 6 included the ability to board the liferaft from the deck of the ship, avoiding the risk of hypothermia or injury when jumping from the vessel into the sea. Costly annual raft inspections were not required and an auto-flooding ballast tank provides excellent stability and comfort even in heavy seas. The Esperantp was also self-righting.
After a series of tests the Esperanto, the first rigid life raft in the world, received Canadian and U.S. Coast Guard, and SOLAS approvals. Ovatek Inc. has continued its research and development and has updated its product offering with the additions of the Ovatek 7 and 4. The Ovatek 7 includes all the features of the Esperanto plus the added benefits of a simpler manufacturing process, resulting in a lower selling price, more stability due to the addition of a fixed keel and improved entry and exit with the addition of a front hatch and an enlarged rear hatch. The four person version, the Ovatek 4 was designed to meet the high demand from fishermen for a smaller version for boats as small as 40’ in length.
The goal for Ovatek Inc. is to increase its presence in the global market. Its focus will be to develop a network of distributors throughout the world. Through strategic alliances Ovatek hopes to achieve its goal as a world leader in marine survival systems.
