Arriving in June

The South China Morning Post(SCMP) reported that the new fireboat could arrive in the city as early as June after testing at a Taiwanese shipyard.

“You can’t go out to save people if your boat has capsized and you become a rescue target yourself in choppy seas,” the source told SCMP. He also said that the tests went smoothly.

“So Hong Kong’s Fire Services Department requested this self-righting function to ensure fire and rescue operations can continue even in severe conditions.”

Another source told SCMP, “The [self-righting] feature provides enhanced protection to firefighters on board and also increases the vessel’s ability to navigate in adverse weather conditions.”

The giant vessel is intended for use in the waters around Hong Kong, particularly in the eastern waters, where there has been an increase in emergency incidents.

It measures 30 to 39 meters in length and weighs about 200 tonnes. It is equipped with an inherent self-righting capability, which allows the vessel to roll back to an upright position from a heeled position anywhere in the range of roll motion. 

It underwent testing at Suao Port in Taiwan. The videos of the testing showed it successfully righting itself within seconds. However, the production and delivery schedule have been extended due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

It was scheduled to be delivered in 2022 but faced delays due to the coronavirus crisis. After undergoing testing, it is expected to arrive in Hong Kong as early as June.

Self-righting ability protects firefighters

The self-righting feature improves protection for firefighters on board and enhances the vessel’s ability to navigate in adverse weather conditions.

The vessel bore the name “Fireboat 12” in the video that went viral. It was written in both English and traditional Chinese characters, with the livery marching the country’s fire service fleet. 

The firm constructing the vessel told the Post that the footage of the trial run was authentic. 

A Government Logistics Department notice relayed that the contract for the fireboat was awarded to Lungteh Shipbuilding in June 2020.

The tender specifications for the vessel include a built-in ability to self-right, with a positive righting lever ranging from zero to 180 degrees.

The document stated, “The vessel shall be capable of rolling back to an upright position from a heeled position anywhere in the range of roll motion.”

The fire department stated, “It will greatly enhance and strengthen our maritime search and rescue capability in the rough sea conditions of eastern Hong Kong waters.”