Hydrostatic Release Unit NZ — ASKOROS HRU-LR2 | RINA Approved | SOLAS Compliant

A hydrostatic release unit (HRU) is the automatic safety mechanism that releases your liferaft when a vessel sinks — even when crew are unable to act. When a vessel submerges to approximately 4 metres, the HRU activates automatically, cutting the lashing that secures the liferaft canister to the deck. The raft floats free, self-inflates, and is available for survivors — without anyone needing to touch it.

For any vessel where automatic liferaft deployment could mean the difference between life and loss, an HRU is not optional.

The ASKOROS HRU-LR2 meets the latest SOLAS regulations, requires no periodic servicing, and carries RINA type approval. Available ex-stock Auckland.

How it works:
When the vessel submerges to approximately 4 metres, water pressure activates the HRU cutter, which severs the rope securing the liferaft canister to its cradle. The canister floats to the surface, the painter line pulls taut against the sinking vessel, and the liferaft automatically inflates. The weak link then breaks at 2.2kN, freeing the raft from the vessel entirely.

Specifications:

• Activation depth: Approximately 4 metres
• Weak link breaking strength: 2.2kN ± 0.4kN — SOLAS compliant
• Service life: 24 months from installation — no periodic servicing required
• Approval: RINA type approved
• Standard: Latest SOLAS regulations

What’s new in the HRU-LR2:

• Laser engraved top cover — all product information permanently engraved, not printed on a sticker. More durable and legible throughout the unit’s service life
• Redesigned inlet system — inlets repositioned for optimal water intake, reduced in number and reshaped to S-curve for improved activation reliability
• Continuous ultrasonic welding — top and bottom blocks previously joined with bolts are now permanently welded using ultrasonic technology, improving isolation and reducing metal content
• Enhanced rope isolation — rope protected with heat shrink tube and dual sealing bushes, preventing moisture ingress and eliminating unwanted activation

Suitable for:

• Commercial fishing vessels, ferries, cargo ships, cruise ships, offshore platforms
• Military and naval vessels
• Offshore yachts and leisure craft
• Aviation evacuation systems
• All SOLAS-surveyed vessels in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands

Why no periodic servicing?
Most HRUs require regular servicing intervals — adding cost and logistics to your vessel’s maintenance schedule. The ASKOROS HRU-LR2 is designed for a fixed 24-month service life with no intermediate servicing required. At the end of 24 months, replace the unit. Simple, documented, and survey-compliant.

Installation:
The separate weak link design simplifies installation and ensures a stable, consistent breaking strain — one of the most common failure points in older HRU designs. The weak link is a standardised, replaceable component.

Complete your liferaft deck mounting system:

• LSP SOLAS Adjustable Galvanized Liferaft Cradle — round container, 6 to 25 person
• LSP SOLAS Fixed Galvanized Liferaft Cradle — round container, 6 to 25 person
• LSP ISO Liferaft Lashing Strap Kit — quick release snap shackle and stainless fittings
• LSP SOLAS 50mm Retro-Reflective Tape — mandatory canister marking
• LSP HAF ISO CAT1 Liferafts — 4, 6, and 8 person round canister, ex-stock Auckland
• LSP SOLAS A Liferafts — 6 to 25 person, ex-stock Auckland

Contact us — +64 9 275 4680 | mark@liferaftssouthpacific.co.nz