AWARDS 2024 | Best Large FiFi Boat – Hiroshima – Kiso Shipbuilding

Japan’s Kiso Shipbuilding has been winning Baird Maritime Awards for years. The company has produced a vast variety of innovative, imaginative aluminium boats from ferries to fire boats and patrol to pilot boats.

Their designs are always thoughtful and, while sometimes appearing to be traditional, they are absolutely modern and very innovative. Usually fast, they are also rugged and very durable. This firefighting boat also outfitted for search and rescue is one capable example.

"The design permitted us to include a lot of equipment and facilities including an emergency room, accommodation, and water and foam firefighting monitors in a hull measuring only 18 metres, making it a multi-purpose boat," Kiso Shipbuilding's Katsuhiko Kiso told Baird Maritime.

Mr Kiso added that the ensuing design work proved challenging due to the array of equipment that needed to be installed. Fortunately for the company, the customer's requirements were satisfied.

"There are differences in required vessel functions depending on region," said Mr Kiso when asked about what he believes are the current trends in shipbuilding, particularly in Japan's own workboat industry. "I think they can be divided into two categories: either multi-purpose or optimised for only one role."

He remarked that 2024 was a good year for Kiso Shipbuilding, as indicated by the deliveries of two vessels and the company's continued work in constructing patrol boats and survey vessels.

Mr Kiso believes that marine emergency service vessels must always be kept up to date to better ensure their readiness for their intended roles.

"In order to respond to disasters such as earthquakes, it is necessary to conduct regular sea condition surveys of vessels and prepare associated facilities and equipment," he told Baird Maritime.

For a list of the 2024 "Best Of" award winners, please click here.