Preparing for launch!: Marine officers inspect one of the new launches at the shipyard

The vessels, although smaller than existing launches, will offer superior speed and manoeuvrability using similar propulsion units to those on commercial high-speed catamarans.

The first two inshore patrol craft are now under construction at a shipyard near Stonecutters Island and are scheduled for delivery in February and March.

The remaining four are due for completion and delivery on a monthly basis thereafter with the sixth vessel set for delivery in July.

At about $7 million each, the launches are constructed from marine-grade aluminium and measure in at just under 13-metres-long.

Superintendent Engineering Marine Ernest Chan said each launch would house two 720 horsepower diesel engines which could propel the craft up to a swift 35 knots.

"The engines will drive water jets which will act as the vessels' main propulsion units, rather than propellers.

"This allows the vessels to be more manoeuvrable and also allows for entry into shallower areas as propellers require deeper water - hence, the new craft are very suitable for inshore operations," Mr Chan said.

Sampling the mock wheelhouse set-up

"We now just have to finalise the configuration of the wheelhouse electronics and confirm where all the equipment will go," Mr Watson said.

"We have a mock set-up inside one of the vessels already so we will soon get some launch crew personnel to come and assist in selecting the most suitable positions for all the navigational and communications equipment." A formal commissioning ceremony for all six craft will be held in the latter part of next year.




<< Back to Index >>