The commissioning of a fleet of new vessels on April 15 marked another significant milestone in the development of the Marine Police's capability to deliver a professional service to the maritime community, said Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Yam Tat-wing.

Speaking at a ceremony to commission five Medium Patrol Launches (MPLs) and six Divisional Fast Patrol Craft (DFPC) at Joss House Bay, Sai Kung, Mr Yam said: "The commissioning of these new vessels into service ushers in a new era which will provide enhanced police service and increased security for the waters of Hong Kong for many years to come."

Each MPL is 19 metres long and five metres wide. With a shallow draft of one metre, an MPL can reach a speed of up to 45 knots. A DFPC measures less than 10 metres in length and about 2.5 metres in width. It can travel at a maximum speed of 50 knots, as its draft is as shallow as 0.6 metre.

Together with a new state-of-the-art central command system and to be supported by a series of strategically located Police Barge Operating Platforms, the fleet of smaller and faster vessels will allow officers to deal with incidents more quickly and at the same time provide a strong deterrent to those engaged in illegal seaborne activities.

The five MPLs and six DFPC represent the first delivery of new vessels under the Versatile Maritime Policing Response programme, and they will replace the ageing Mark III launches, which have been in service since early 1980s.

Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Yam Tat-wing officiates at the commissioning ceremony

Divisional Fast Patrol Craft performing Marine Region's traditional "Figure 8" demonstration.

Medium Patrol Launches demonstrate their manoeuvrability

Part of the fleet of new vessels