To ensure its ongoing effectiveness the Taiwan Coast Guard constantly upgrades its vessels and equipment.2006 has seen the organization greatly enhance its patrol capabilities with the delivery from local shipyard Lung The Shipbuilding of three high performance patrol boats.
The first two of the second-generation vessels were delivered in January and March respectively ¡A with the third and final vessel delivery for operation at the end of May.
The aluminium vessels have been built for law enforcement duties and search rescue operation in Taiwan 's open sea water areas.
Designed for all-weather operations in sea states of up to Beaufort 8 ¡A the 34-metrevessels have been constructed with a hard chine ¡A dep-V hull with a deep centre skeg to aid seakeeping and course keeping stability.
The patrol boats feature a sleek design with a low profile deckhouse that permits the craft to come along side larger vessels ¡A even when rooling at angles of up to 15 degrees ¡A without suffering damage.
Waterjet propelled ¡A the boats reach maximum speeds of over 35 knots with their twin MJP jets each driven by a 2300kW MAN diesel. A fuel capacity of 36m 3 give a substantial operating range of some 1400 nautical miles.
Operating with a 14-person crew ¡A the well-laid out wheelhouse contains all the necessary electronics one expects in a modern law enforcement vessel, The crew space is located within the forward section of hull and contains the usual galley ¡A mess and saloon areas along with a crew cabin and separate cabins for the captain and first officer.
On deck ¡A the vessels are fitted with mounted weapons fore and aft. At the stern each boat is fitted with a hydraulic stern door and launch system for a 5.5 - metreinterceptor RIB ¡V the system enabling launching and retrieval of the RIB in under 10 seconds. The interceptors are also waterjet powered ¡A reaching a maximum speed of 35 knots and greatly facilitating boarding and shallow water operations.
The patrol boats also have a limited firefighting response with a monitor located on the wheelhouse roof supplied by a 60m 3 /hr fire pump.
The delivery of these three good looking and high capability patrol boats from Lung The will aid the Taiwan Coast Guard in maintaining its string and valuable presence in Taiwan's coastal waterways. Intelligently designed and well constructed the ¡A the boats should be a presence in Taiwan's waters for many years to come. |
