18m fire-fighting vessels designed for Bangladesh

Canadian marine architects Robert Allan Ltd has delivered a design of two fire-fighting vessels to Khulna Shipyard in Bangladesh. Construction has started for the Bangladesh navy.
They will measure 18.9m of length and 5.3m of breadth with a special hull designed for river sailings. They will be fitted with equipment for debris protection. The all-aluminium vessels will be powered by two 560-kW John Deere main engines for a speed of 20 knots. Reduction gears will be from Reintjes with 2.5:1 reduction ratio driving stainless steel shafts and bronze propellers. Engines can be rapidly removed from the vessels via matching hatches in main deck and overhead in-house top. A design speed of 20 knots is achievable. A single Westerbeke generator provides electrical power. Two 2,000-litre/minute fire pumps will be fitted, each driven by a 55-kW IVECO diesel engine. The pumps are located low in the boat so priming systems are not required. Two 2,000-litre/minute fire monitors are located on the house top within view of the operators in the pilothouse. Foam concentrate capacity is 500 litres and six hydrants are located fore and aft on the main deck.
Most of the accommodation is located on the main deck level including an officer’s cabin with attached WC, galley, mess, and seating for 12 fire fighters in an air-conditioned deckhouse. Overnight berths for six persons are located forward. The joiner work utilises aluminium honeycomb panelling to reduce weight.