Trials are over: Keka class launches commissioned!
So said Commissioner Mr Tsang Yam-pui when officiating at the commissioning ceremony for the two Keka class police launches at Joss House Bay on October 29. Mr Tsang said that as the key law enforcement unit at sea, the Marine Police attached great importance to upgrading its vessels and equipment and thus improve its efficiency in maintaining law and order in Hong Kong waters.
"Following the introduction of a digital radio communication system last year and the deployment of two surveillance barges to Deep Bay in the middle of this year, two sophisticated hi-tech patrol launches are being commissioned today," he said.
The Keka class launches were brought in to replace the Damen class patrol launches, which have been in service for the past 20 years. Mr Tsang said that the launches, each costing $47 million and measuring 30 metres in length, are the first ones made of an aluminium alloy.
Because of the all-aluminium structure, the new launches are rust-proof and lighter, and that means they are more economical to maintain and operate. In the past six months, the launches consumed 20 per cent less fuel than is consumed by other police launches of similar size.
Each of the new police launches is equipped with a hydraulic crane for launching and retrieving a boat promptly to cope with police operations. As the new launches are highly manoeuvrable, have a maximum speed of 27 knots and can be steered dexterously, the surveillance ability at sea is greatly enhanced.
"The new Keka class launches incorporate advanced technology which will greatly increase the operational efficiency of our officers patrolling at sea and enable them to provide a better service to the public," said Mr Tsang.
During the ceremony, Mr Tsang also expressed his gratitude, on behalf of the Force, to those organisations and people who contributed to the design, building and equipping the new launches, including the Government New Craft Section of the Marine Department and the shipbuilder.
