Constructed with high-grade marine quality material and fitted with high-tech communications and navigation equipment, the vessels' advanced design enabled them to traverse heavy waves at high speed.

Small Boat Division Superintendent Dominique Ziemann said the vessels could hit more than 60 knots and replace the original fleet of five 'Tai Fei's used by the Anti-Smuggling Task Force.

"Three of the five crafts were taken over by the ASTF and became operational on August 12, performing the same role of intercepting smugglers in Hong Kong waters.

Just launched: Two of the five new high-speed vessels are put through their paces by Marine Police

"One of the crafts, on its second day of operation, successfully intercepted a Tai Fei with a four-wheel-drive vehicle on board, resulting in the arrest of three mainland men for smuggling.

"The superior performance of the new craft left the Tai Fei with no choice but to surrender," SP Ziemann said.

The new vessels had a high freeboard which could provide greater protection to crew members when the sea was rough.

"Crew safety for Police launches, as well as smugglers' crafts, is an overriding consideration.

"Marine Police have sought to absolutely minimise risks by procuring vessels built to the highest standards using the best materials and equipment," he added.

Since May, smuggling by 'Tai Fei's and medium sized speed boats, or 'Chung Fei's, in Hong Kong waters has been active.

Operations have led to the successful interceptions of six 'Tai Fei's and six 'Chung Fei's engaged in smuggling activities inside Hong Kong waters.

"This clearly illustrated the need to keep an effective operational capability against high-powered offshore vessels and to maintain law and order in Hong Kong waters," Mr Ziemann noted.

The remaining two vessels will be launched later this month.

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