A powerful new floating asset for maritime firefighting and rescue operations has joined the Fire Service’s fleet, with one of the large open-sea fast craft now stationed in Lavrio. Unlike vessels limited mainly to operations within harbours or close to the coast, this craft has been built to operate and undertake missions on the open sea, even in difficult weather conditions.

It is one of two open-sea firefighting and rescue fast craft being acquired through the “AEGIS” programme. The contract for their supply totals €8,950,000 excluding VAT, working out at approximately €4.475 million per vessel.

Construction and delivery to the Fire Service has been undertaken by the MAINSYS and RAFNAR consortium.

Under the technical specifications set out, the vessel’s length must be at least 17 metres, with a greater length counting favourably in the evaluation. It has a single deep-V hull and is built from specially reinforced composite materials, combining strength and stability when moving through rough waters.

Up to 32 knots and a 300-nautical-mile range

One of the new vessel’s key features is its ability to keep operating in conditions that significantly hamper missions at sea. It can be used operationally in Sea State 5, with survivability rated up to Sea State 6.

Its maximum required speed is at least 32 knots, equivalent to around 59 km/h, while at full load its sustained speed must reach at least 23 knots.

At economical speed, meanwhile, its operating range extends to at least 300 nautical miles, allowing it to cover long distances without being confined to operations near its home base.

The vessel is fitted out for a six-person crew, with the capacity to safely carry at least six additional people, such as shipwreck survivors or members of special operations teams. Space has also been allowed for a stretcher in the event of transporting an injured person, with total carrying capacity reaching 25 people.

From firefighting to rescuing shipwreck survivors

Its capabilities, however, are not limited to tackling fires. The new vessel has also been designed as a rescue asset, enabling it to take part in search and rescue operations, the recovery of shipwreck survivors and the transport of casualties.

It can also carry firefighters and specialist teams to locations requiring intervention, as well as assist other state agencies during major incidents or natural disaster response operations.

The addition of such floating assets to the Fire Service carries particular weight given Greece’s geography, with its long coastline and large number of islands. With the two new vessels, the Fire Service’s capacity for immediate intervention at sea is expanded, strengthening its operational presence in incidents requiring specialised floating equipment.

The presence of one of the vessels in Lavrio is also significant, as from there it can be deployed to incidents in eastern Attica as well as the wider maritime area, whether for a fire, a rescue operation or another serious incident.