Port of Houston Authority commissions new emergency response vessel

Port of Houston Authority in the US has commissioned the first of three high-performance emergency response vessel, aimed to help protect facilities along the Houston Ship Channel, during a ceremony held at the Turning Basin Terminal’s Sam Houston Pavilion.

The most advanced emergency response vessels have been designed to enhance the ability of firefighters to save lives and property along the 25-mile-long Port of Houston.

Port Commission chairman Janiece Longoria said, "It is through a strong local and federal partnership that the Port of Houston can build the most sophisticated emergency response fleet in the world."

The new emergency response vessel, a Firestorm 70 model, has been procured from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency Port Security Grant Program as well as funding from the Port Authority.

Built by MetalCraft Marine, the command center and high-speed response vessel features hazmat capabilities and infrared sonar to enable the crew to see the bottom of the Houston Ship Channel.

Powered by quad diesel inboard engines, the fireboats can cruise at top speed of 45k and will provide with nearly three times the pumping power of the old fleet to help protect the nation’s No. 1 port for foreign tonnage for PHA firefighters.