In recent years, the Hong Kong Fire Department has recognized the need for a new and innovative firefighting ship to improve their maritime search and rescue activities. This prompted them to commission Lungteh Shipyard in Taiwan to build a self-balancing vessel that can recover after capsizing within seconds. The resulting boat, named “Fire Fighting Boat 12,” is expected to arrive in Hong Kong by June 2024 after completing trials at To Ao port in Nghi Lan district.
The self-righting function of the ship allows for continued rescue and firefighting operations even in challenging conditions, enhancing mobility in adverse weather. The 35-40 meter long vessel weighs about 200 tons and will undergo several months of testing at To Ao port before being officially put into use. With its unique balance arm, this new addition aims to enhance the capabilities of the Hong Kong Fire Department in responding to emergencies and conducting rescue operations at sea.
The construction and handover process of “Fire Fighting Boat 12” has been ongoing despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Lungteh Shipyard, with a history dating back to 1979, specializes in producing medium-speed vessels and has built many ships for various government agencies in Hong Kong. Their latest creation is considered the world’s largest self-righting firefighting boat, marking yet another achievement for this renowned shipyard.
The new firefighting ship is just one of several measures taken by authorities to strengthen maritime search and rescue activities in rough sea conditions along Hong Kong’s eastern seaboard. Over the next few years, they plan to add two command ships to replace existing ones as part of an ongoing effort to improve their emergency response capabilities on water. With these new additions, the Hong Kong Fire Department is poised to become a leader in maritime safety and emergency response efforts around the globe.
Overall, “Fire Fighting Boat 12” represents a significant investment by the Hong Kong Logistics Department towards improving their operational capabilities on water. Its unique features such as self-righting function and balance arm make it an asset that will undoubtedly contribute towards saving lives during emergencies on sea. As it nears completion, anticipation builds for its arrival on Hong Kong waters where it will be put through rigorous testing before being officially commissioned into service.
