CONFIDENTIAL
FUTURE HONG KONG PATROL CRAFT
Introduction
1.
The purpose of this paper is to present to the Hong Kong Government a summary of the findings of the various studies called for in the Naval Staff Target for Hong Kong Patrol Craft, and to define the way ahead.
Craft Study
2. A number of designs were considered on the basis of the desired vessel characteristics set out in the agreed Naval Staff Target. The range of speeds was extended to a lower level of 15 knots on the basis that present craft were performing adequately at this speed.
3. Studies indicated that in order fully to meet the requirement the ideal vessel would be a displacement craft of about 45-50m with fairly high freeboard and a minimum top speed of 25 knots.
None of the craft investigated provided all these features, but the following stood out from the rest:
4.
a.
b.
C.
The Vosper Thorneycroft 46M Fast Patrol Boat
The TT Boats OSPREY Design
The Brooke Marine 46M Fast Patrol Craft
Specifications for these vessels are attached.
5. It is proposed that the invitation to tender will specify the optimum characteristics required based upon the more suitable features of all three craft listed above to ensure that the design ultimately selected has the right characteristics for the Hong Kong role.
6.
Consideration was given in the context of the craft study to the possibility of reducing the number of craft required in view of the improved performance of the planned craft over current vessels. However the indications are that five craft will still be required, based on operational and availability considerations as follows:
a.
Operational. Hong Kong waters are divided into 4 sections for
patrol:
(1) West Sector
Victoria Basin to extremity 22nm
(2) South Sector
#1
23nm
(3) East Sector
11
22nm
(4) North Sector
#1
1
40nm
In peacetime it is necessary to maintain a minimum of one vessel at 2 hours notice (but normally on patrol) and 1 vessel at 4 hours notice alongside throughout the whole of the patrol area. In times of tension it is necessary to maintain 4 vessels on patrol in order to give physical support
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CONFIDENTIAL