Naval architect and designer BMT and Singapore-based boatbuilder Penguin Shipyard International have delivered a fire and rescue vessel to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). The Blue Dolphin MFV-R (standing for ‘multi-role fire vessels – rescue’) is the first of two 38m sisters for the SCDF, each featuring an aluminium monohull and an external firefighting system comprising three fire monitors and three pumps, capable of delivering a combined flow rate of 3,600m3 per hour.
Described as an evolution of the Red Dolphin MFV-R, which BMT and Penguin produced for the SCDF in 2019, the new vessel has 12,000litres of firefighting foam capacity. BMT comments: “This is further supported by a self-protection water curtain, giving the vessel a fully redundant and highly capable firefighting configuration that exceeds standard FiFi Class 1 requirements.”
The vessel also houses advanced chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) protection systems, plus a decontamination room, a first aid station and a rescue lounge for up to 30 survivors and eight firefighters. Infrared sensors enable the detection and classification of chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals at a range of up to 5km, BMT adds.
The Blue Dolphin MFV-R can comfortably sprint past the 30knot mark, and comes with biofuel-compatible engines and solar panel charging systems. The vessel also stores a high-speed RIB on board, which can be scrambled for search and rescue operations close to shore or in restricted waters. The ship is also equipped with a virtual anchoring system, designed to reduce the crew’s workload during station-keeping operations.
The first Blue Dolphin MFV-R was delivered to the SCDF at a commissioning ceremony hosted at the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club, and the second sister is earmarked for delivery to the SCDF in 2027.
