FDNY Marine Unit News

July 19, 2007 , the Fire Department of New York will seek bids on the project to build two new 140-foot ships designed by a Canadian firm, Robert Allan Ltd. Each would have the capacity to pump 50,000 gallons per minute and travel 20 mph twice the pumping rate and speed of the pair of FDNY fireboats now protecting more than 560 miles of New York City waterfront.

The department began designing new boats after a consulting firm that analyzed the Sept. 11 rescue effort recommended modernizing its fleet.

The city expects the new fireboats to play a critical role in responding to large-scale emergencies, including potential terrorist attacks and the rescue of large numbers of civilians in the event of a major disaster.

Officials said some of the cost which could reach $20 million per vessel will be covered in part by the Department of Homeland Security. The FDNY hopes to launch them in 2009.

Plans call for several features that would boost the department's ability to respond to biological or chemical incidents, as well as water-borne accidents or fires involving cruise ships or ferries.

Vessel Features:

A high-tech communications system linking the boats to police radios and to supervisors on shore via video.

Hi-tech command center capable of retrieving information like helicopter images and inter-agency date to the crew

A water monitor on the bow that provides 17,700 gallons a minute and has a reach of more than 700 feet, and six other monitors that will be capable of providing either water or foam solution used to put out flammable liquid fires.

A decontamination shower for either crew members or casualties of a chemical accident or attack.

A rescue crane fitted with a telescoping ladder that will allow firefighters to board larger ships or extend the reach of water streams.

A giant platform designed to attach to passenger ships for swifter and easier evacuations.

Vessel Specifications ;

• 140 feet long, 4.5-foot wake, 20 mph top speed
• 7 crew members (pilot, officer, 2 engineers, 1 wiper, 2 firefighters)
• Rescue crane
• Small rescue vessel
• 4 engines
• 11 water cannons, with foam capability
• 50,000 gallons of water per minute can be pumped to firefighters on land up to 5 miles away.
• Triage unit
• Decontamination showers
• "Haz-Tac" suits for biological or biochemical attacks
• CBRN system to protect from harmful agents