Versatile fleet to enhance law enforcement at sea (with photos)
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    The new fleet of vessels commissioned today (April 15) marked another significant milestone in the development of the Marine Police's capability to deliver a professional service to the maritime community, said the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Yam Tat-wing.

    Speaking at a ceremony to commission five Medium Patrol Launches (MPLs) and six Divisional Fast Patrol Craft (DFPC) at Joss House Bay, Sai Kung today, Mr Yam said: "The commissioning of these new vessels into service in Marine Region ushers in a new era which will provide enhanced police service and increased security for the waters of Hong Kong for many years to come."

    Each MPL is 19 metres long and five metres wide. With a shallow draft of one metre, a MPL can speed up to 45 knots. A DFPC measures less than 10 metres in length and about 2.5 metres in width. It can travel at a maximum speed of 50 knots since its draft is as shallow as 0.6 metres. 

    Together with a new state-of-the-art central command system and to be supported by a series of strategically located Police Barge Operating Platforms, the fleet of smaller and faster vessels will allow Police officers to attend and deal with incidents quicker while at the same time providing a strong deterrent to those engaging in illegal seaborne activity.

    The five MPLs and six DFPC represent the first delivery of new vessels under the Versatile Maritime Policing Response concept, and they will replace the ageing Mark III launches, which have been in service since early 1980s.

Police Report No. 4 

Ends/Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:53

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