New fireboat for MFB

A new $1.4 million fire-fighting boat will help protect Docklands waterways.

Presented to the Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) last month, Fireboat 2 is a 12-metre long, 18.3 tonne, water-jet powered craft.

At full capacity the boat can pump 16,000 litres of water per minute, which is the equivalent of two MFB trucks.

Minister for Emergency Services Jane Garret said the vessel would be critical in fighting fires on the waterways and shipping channels around Melbourne.

It will respond to incidents in Docklands, the Port of Melbourne and Port Phillip Bay.

“The Fireboat 2 is a major boost to the MFB’s marine capabilities and will make our waterways safer,” Ms Garrett said.

“Many people are living on our waterways so it is critical that emergency services remain equipped to respond to complex incidents on and around the port.”

The boat will undergo an operational commissioning phase and is expected to be operational from August. The boat will be moored at Pier 35.