Tim Olk captured this photo of a brand new fireboat for the Houston Fire Department as it made its way to Houston, stopping overnight in Chicago.
A new MetalCraft Marine Firestorm 70 fireboat for Houston stops in Chicago. Tim Olk photo
From the Port of Houston Authority:
The World’s Most Advanced Fireboat Is on Its Way to Houston
HOUSTON — A two-week journey through four Great Lakes and the Mississippi River will bring the first of three high-performance fireboats to the Port of Houston. This new fleet will replace the current aging vessels and mark a major upgrade in firefighting capabilities along the 25-mile-long port area.
“As the nation’s busiest port in terms of foreign tonnage and home to one of the world’s largest petrochemical complexes, our firefighting team is second to none in protecting this national asset and the many who work here,†said Port Authority Executive Director Len Waterworth. “These new fireboats will strengthen these firefighters’ ability to save lives and property along the Houston Ship Channel.â€
The five-member crew includes three from the Port of Houston Fire Department. They will guide the new craft across Lake Ontario and Lake Erie to Detroit (May 22), then Lake Huron and Lake Michigan to Chicago (May 25). From there, they’ll continue on the Cumberland River to Lockport, Illinois (May 26), then the Illinois River to St. Louis (May 27), and finally down the Mississippi River with several stops including Cape Girardeau, Memphis, Greenville, and Baton Rouge before arriving in New Orleans (May 31). The final stop will be Galveston, Texas (June 1), with arrival at the Port of Houston expected around June 1, 2013.
To follow the journey, check out the Port of Houston Authority’s social media pages on Facebook and Twitter for updates throughout the trip.
The voyage is led by Senior Captain Glenn Hood, a 14-year veteran of the fire department, along with Engine Operators Robert Lacour and Vic Vasquez, each with 10 years of experience. All are certified in structural, marine, HazMat, and EMT operations, and all pilots are U.S. Coast Guard licensed mariners.
The Firestorm 70 is a state-of-the-art vessel designed for speed, efficiency, and versatility. With quad diesel engines, it can reach up to 45 knots—three times faster than the current fleet. It’s equipped with advanced firefighting systems, including four pumps capable of discharging up to 17,000 gallons per minute and a roof-mounted Stang monitor that can reach 450 feet. It also features living quarters for extended missions and medical support areas for injured personnel.
Funded mostly by federal grants, the new boats will replace the three older vessels commissioned in 1973 and 1983. MetalCraft Marine, the builder, spent over 20,000 hours crafting the Firestorm 70, working closely with the Port Authority to ensure it meets their exacting standards.
MetalCraft Marine is a leader in high-performance water-jet boats, serving clients like the U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, and Panama Canal Authority. Their commitment to quality and innovation has made them a trusted name in maritime safety.
Images of the new fireboat can be downloaded here.
More from MarineLog.com:
New Fireboat Begins Delivery Voyage to Houston
MAY 22, 2013 — The first of three high-performance fireboats has begun its two-week journey from Kingston, Ontario, through the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River to the Port of Houston. The new vessels will significantly enhance the firefighting capabilities of the Port Authority, offering the most advanced fleet in the world.
“As the nation’s busiest port in terms of foreign tonnage and home to one of the world’s largest petrochemical complexes, our firefighting team is second to none in protecting this national asset and the many who work here,†said Port Authority Executive Director Len Waterworth. “These new fireboats will strengthen these firefighters’ ability to save lives and property along the 25-mile long Port of Houston.â€
The delivery crew includes three members from the Port of Houston Fire Department. They will navigate the fireboat through Lake Ontario and Lake Erie to Detroit (May 22), then across Lake Huron and Lake Michigan to Chicago (May 25). From there, they will travel the Cumberland River to Lockport (May 26), the Illinois River to St. Louis (May 27), and the Mississippi River with stops in Cape Girardeau, Memphis, Greenville, and Baton Rouge before reaching New Orleans (May 31). A final stop in Galveston (June 1) will precede its arrival at the Port of Houston around June 1, 2013.
The voyage is being led by Senior Captain Glenn Hood, a 14-year veteran of the fire department, and Engine Operators Robert Lacour and Vic Vasquez, both with 10 years of experience. All are highly trained in hazardous materials response and emergency medical services, and all pilots are U.S. Coast Guard licensed.
The Firestorm 70 is a high-speed, maneuverable vessel built by MetalCraft Marine. With a top speed of 45 knots, it offers a dramatic improvement over the current fleet, which operates at 14–16 knots. It is equipped with four powerful pumps, capable of discharging up to 17,000 gallons per minute, and features a fully functional living space for extended operations.
Each fireboat is 70 feet 10 inches long and 22 feet 10 inches wide, with a draft of just 34 inches. Funding for the vessels comes largely from federal grants aimed at replacing the aging fleet from the 1970s.
“The entire MetalCraft team is honored to have been given this contract by the Port of Houston Authority,†said Michael Allen, General Manager of MetalCraft Marine. “Under the guidance of Project Manager Jay Milner and Design Manager Ryan Hunter, our team of craftsmen put in over 20,000 hours to build this industry-leading fast-response Firestorm 70.â€
MetalCraft Marine, established in 1987, is a leader in the design and manufacturing of aluminum water-jet propelled boats. Their clients include the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, and Panama Canal Authority.
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