VESSEL REVIEW | MP 6 – Hong Kong fisheries agency's new patrol boat with firefighting capability

The Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has taken delivery of a new patrol boat built by Jianglong Shipbuilding in China.

MP 6 is the first unit in a planned series of three vessels ordered by the AFCD from Jianglong Shipbuilding. The newbuild has an LOA of 16.5 metres (54.1 feet), a moulded beam of 4.49 metres (14.7 feet), a draught of only 1.25 metres (4.1 feet), and a moulded depth of 2.75 metres (9.02 feet).

Two Scania DI13 main engines that each produce 368 kW (490 hp) at 1,800 rpm deliver a top speed of 20 knots, thus allowing the boat to be used for intercption.

Low-emission propulsion suitable for enforcement in sensitive waters

The propulsion arrangement also includes two Rehlko 4Q7BX 36kW generators and a selective catalytic reduction system to ensure compliance with IMO Tier III NOx emissions regulations.

The vessel can also perform the secondary function of external firefighting thanks to the installation of a high-power pump and a monitor mounted on the wheelhouse roof. For enhanced situational awareness under nighttime or other low-visibility conditions, the crew will rely on a radar and a mast-mounted rotating thermal camera.

Features for enhancing safety during coastal operations

The wheelhouse itself boasts an open aft deck for observation purposes and forward-leaning windscreens to help reduce glare from the helm station and to reduce reliance on wipers when operating under inclement weather conditions.

Wrap-around fendering protects the hull from impact damage when manoeuvring alongside other vessels for inspections and personnel transfers.

MP 6 was built in compliance with China Classification Society requirements.