Metal Shark delivers two 50 ‘fire boats to Phoenix-Dade Fire Rescue
Phoenix-Dade Fire Rescue’s new Metal Shark 50 Defiant fire boats arrive in South Florida after their voyage from the Metal Shark shipyard in Franklin, Louisiana.
JEANERETTE, La., February 1, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Shipbuilder Metal Shark has delivered two of three new welded aluminum monohull fire boats “50 Defiant” to Phoenix-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR).
The welded aluminum monohull fire boats “FB-21” and “FB-73” were designed by Metal Shark’s in-house engineering team and built according to Lloyds Registry Standard to improve MDFR’s ability to fight fires at sea and to use existing ships in to replace his fleet.
Compared to the outbound MDFR ships, the new 55 ‘x 17.5’ metal shark fireboats offer faster speeds, faster response times, greater pumping volume, greater fire fighting effectiveness and a next-generation design that improves efficiency while at the same time the firefighters who manned the ships, more security 24/7.
“These new ships were selected by Phoenix-Dade Fire Rescue after a lengthy procurement process and countless hours of research and development to provide our crews with the safest, most modern and efficient maritime fire fighting platform on the market,” said Phoenix-Dade Fire Andy Alvarez, Chief Executive Officer the lifeboat. “We worked closely with Metal Shark to develop a bespoke solution that would enable our crews to be outfitted with the most modern fire fighting ship. We’re excited to deploy these state-of-the-art, high-performance fireboats for the 2.7-plus million residents of Phoenix-Dade County. “
The new ships have an innovative pilothouse that offers first-class visibility. The use of Metal Shark’s signature “pillarless glass” with a backward raked windshield significantly reduces blind spots compared to conventional pilothouse fireboats with smaller, framed windows. An innovative two-tier side window arrangement with a second row of windows below the waistline offers an unparalleled downward view from the rudder, which is vital when calling people overboard or maneuvering next to smaller vessels. A panoramic skylight array provides an unobstructed view of the top when working next to ships or elevated structures, or when lifting helicopters. The result is mission-enhancing visibility in all fire-fighting and rescue scenarios.
The new MDFR fire boats are designed for maneuverability and quick response and are powered by two 16-liter V8-V8 diesel engines with 1,200 hp (MAN D2862 LE456) that jets 350X water jets via ZF500 transmissions with Marine Jet Power (MJP) are coupled and can reach a top speed of more than 44 knots. The ships can be operated from three different stations; Each model is equipped with MJP’s Combinator digital controls and the joystick vector control system to precisely control maneuvering in tight spaces. A fully automatic dynamic trim and cruise control system from Zipwake improves ship performance, economy, comfort, stability and safety.
The new fire boats deliver a flow rate in excess of 8,500 GPM, with two self-priming Darley ZFE 3000 fire pumps powered by the main engines via the PTO. Each pump draws from its own special sea chest in the hull and feeds a central distributor with a crossover function, which in turn supplies the entire system.
From the fire control center on the port control station, the flow is directed as required via electronically operated 8-inch valves. The ships are each equipped with a remotely controlled Elkhart Spitfire electric roof monitor, two aft-mounted Elkhart Copperhead monitors, two aft dual hand line outlets, forward and aft 5 “Storz hydrant outlets, and a 3″ outlet on the bow to accommodate one ” Extenda Gun “from the tips of the task force. Two 55 gallon reservoirs carry a total of 110 gallons of aqueous film-forming foam per vessel.
An advanced Raymarine electronics suite includes multiple 12- and 16-inch AXIOM multifunction displays, with units installed at each of the three operator stations that provide radar, GPS, engine and system data and display video feeds from on-board cameras. These units also display the feed from the InfraRed (FLIR) gyro-stabilized forward-looking M400 XR multi-sensor night vision camera with fire fighting mode that defines target temperatures and isotherms to aid firefighters in fighting flames by locating the location of the fire Exterior of the ship. A 12-inch Humminbird helix displays depth, sonar, and 3D side-scan images. The new ships will assist crews in the detection and identification of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats (CBRNE) as the ships are equipped with the latest detection gauges and equipment necessary to prevent such an event.
The air-conditioned pilothouses have two Dometic Emerald HVAC units and SHOXS seats for shock absorption for four crew members with a total of up to sixteen seats. Anti-fatigue, non-slip, vibration and sound-absorbing floors are laid throughout. The ships can carry three EMS patients on backboards. An enclosed main compartment provides a fresh water shower for decontamination of firefighters who have been exposed to harmful chemicals or fire fighting elements. There is also a sink and marine toilet. The on-board electrical system is powered by a Kohler 15EOZD diesel generator.
A dedicated officers communication station was equipped with two Motorolla APX 8500 all-band cellular radios, a Harris P-25 radio, a standard Horizon GX6000 VHF radio, and a dedicated monitor to display the built-in camera feeds. Two additional GX6000 VHF radios are installed on board each ship, one of which is located at each station.
“These next generation fireboats are the result of our unwavering commitment to innovation,” said Chris Allard, CEO of Metal Shark. “We constantly challenge ourselves to embrace new ideas and expand the design framework to create smarter, safer, more powerful and more crew-friendly designs. Not only is it an honor to win the trust of leading fire departments like Phoenix-Dade Fire Rescue, but it’s also a real endorsement of our efforts. “
“In the past three years we have completely transformed an already successful line of fireboats,” said Dean Jones, vice president of sales, fire, law enforcement and specialty markets for Metal Shark. “We work closely with customers to implement their ideas, which drives change across our portfolio. It has been a pleasure to work with Chief Alvarez and this team of dedicated professionals to develop these next generation fire engines and deliver them to Phoenix Dade Fire Rescue. “
The new ships will replace MDFR’s aging maritime response fleet with FB-21 based in Baker’s Haulover Inlet and FB-73 in Port Phoenix. Each fireboat will be manned by a crew of four specially trained in marine firefighting, dive rescue, and paramedics who are on call 24/7 for immediate response across the South Florida region.
Metal shark is a diversified shipbuilder specializing in the design and construction of welded aluminum and steel ships from 16 ‘to over 300’ for defense, law enforcement and commercial companies. Key customers include the United States Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, Army, foreign military, law enforcement, fire services, passenger ship operators, pilot associations, tugboat operators, and other customers worldwide. With three independent shipbuilding facilities in Alabama and Louisiana, USA, as well as its own technical facility in Croatia, Metal Shark’s 500+ employees produce over 200 ships per year with a proud and proven track record of high quality and on-time deliveries. www.metalsharkboats.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4c723958-6238-4d75-a94f-58a3a248d8cb
Media contact: Josh Stickles – VP Marketing +1.941.400.8494
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