New Self-Balancing Firefighting Boat to Boost Hong Kong’s Maritime Search and Rescue Capabilities

In recent years, the Hong Kong Fire Department has recognized the need for improved maritime search and rescue capabilities in response to an increase in emergency accidents along the eastern seaboard. To address this issue, the department has made a significant investment of $16 million in purchasing a self-balancing firefighting boat from Lungteh shipyard in Taiwan. This cutting-edge vessel is designed to aid in maritime research and rescue operations in Hong Kong waters and is equipped with a self-righting function that allows it to recover after capsizing in just a few seconds.

The new firefighting boat, named “Fire Fighting Boat 12”, is approximately 35-40 meters long and weighs around 200 tons. It is scheduled to arrive in Hong Kong by June 2024 after completing trials at the factory in Taiwan. Before being handed over, the boat will undergo several months of testing at To Ao port in Nghi Lan district and crew training. The construction and delivery process was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but authorities are eager to incorporate this cutting-edge technology into their emergency response fleet.

In addition to the new firefighting boat, the Fire Department plans to add two command ships to replace older vessels in the fleet. This strategic investment will help strengthen maritime search and rescue operations in rough sea conditions and enhance overall emergency response capabilities in the region. The acquisition of this self-balancing firefighting boat represents a significant advancement in the Hong Kong Fire Department’s capabilities and demonstrates their commitment to enhancing safety and emergency response in the region.

Lungteh shipyard, established in 1979, has a long-standing reputation for building medium-speed vessels for government agencies in Hong Kong. They have constructed numerous vessels for the fire service, coast guard, and customs department, showcasing their expertise in marine vessel construction. With this latest acquisition, Lungteh shipyard continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing high-quality vessels that meet the needs of government agencies worldwide.