Hampshire Police Authority Marine Unit has ordered a new Lochin 367 Police Launch, purpose-designed to fulfill expected changes in their operational status in Southampton.

The new vessel is expected to service the Solent and adjacent sea areas. This is the reasoning behind the choice of the Lochin, a capable ‘offshore’ craft with a longer range capability higher cruise speed capability of 20 knots fully-laden. The proven qualities of the Lochin's 11m hull utilise an innovative flexible wheelhouse format offering optional length and width to satisfy specific applications. This design has been pivotal to the awarding of this contract where space utilisation for specialist equipment, a comfortable living area and a significantly enhanced operating capability were prerequisite requirements.

This Lochin 367 will be fitted with twin Cummins QSB5.9 engines developing 320kW each, connected to Twin Disc MGX electronic gearboxes giving a usable range of 460km at cruise. The internal accommodation provides dedicated operating desks for surveillance and monitoring equipment, and facilities for a crew compliment of up to six officers with onboard services for duration operations in an offshore environment.

The build strategy, sophisticated electrical system and electronics package are designed for a 15-year service life, typically operating around 1500 hours per annum.

The police launch is perhaps the most frequently seen vessel in and around the Solent, a body of water which boasts an extremely diverse range of commercial and leisure vessels operating within busy confines – reportedly the busiest waterway in the world.