The Hong Kong Fire Services Department has invested 16 million USD to acquire a self-righting fireboat that can recover from capsizing in just a few seconds.
(Video: Paul Wan).
The vessel, constructed by Lungteh Shipbuilding in Yilan County, Taiwan, is reported to be the largest self-righting fireboat in the world, designed for maritime research and rescue operations in Hong Kong waters. The boat is expected to arrive in Hong Kong as early as June 2024 after completing tests at the shipyard, according to a report by Interesting Engineering on April 25.
According to authorities, the self-righting function of the boat ensures that rescue and firefighting operations can continue even under severe conditions, enhancing the safety of firefighters on board while increasing mobility in adverse weather. The new vessel measures 35 to 40 meters in length and weighs around 200 tons, and it will undergo several months of testing at Tso Wo Port in Yilan County and crew training before delivery.
Fireboat undergoing testing at Tso Wo Port.
The vessel is named “Fireboat 12.” The Hong Kong Logistics Department awarded the fireboat construction contract to Lungteh in June 2020. Originally scheduled for delivery in 2022, the construction and delivery process was delayed due to COVID-19. The vessel is equipped with a balancing arm that operates from 0 to 180 degrees, allowing it to return to an upright position when capsized.
The Fire Services Department has reported an increasing trend in emergency incidents in the eastern waters of Hong Kong over the past few years. The new boat will enhance their maritime search and rescue operations in rough sea conditions in the area. Authorities plan to add this fireboat along with two command boats to replace Fireboat 2 and the command boats Boats 1 and 2 in the coming years.
Lungteh Shipbuilding, established in 1979, specializes in the production of medium-speed vessels and has built numerous boats for various governmental agencies in Hong Kong, including fire services, marine police, and customs.
