Special vessels: Two new Keka class Police Launches are initiated at Joss House Bay, Sai Kung.

Marine Police will commission smaller and more versatile vessels installed with advanced visual facilities and technological equipment, Commissioner of Police Dick Lee says.

Commissioning two Keka class launches in Sai Kung today, Mr Lee said under the Versatile Maritime Policing Response strategy, which will be implemented over the coming years, the fleet will feature advanced equipment like the latest radar and global positioning systems.

Mr Lee said by using the latest technology, Police will further improve its services. The Keka launches, PL 64 and 65, measure 30 metres in length and 6.3 metres in width. Made of aluminium alloy, they have a displacement of 110 tonnes and can reach 27 knots.

They feature radar and global positioning systems, and electronic chart and navigation equipment. The wheelhouses' 360-degree panoramic field of vision gives officers full view of surrounding waters, while on-board cranes allow the launch and retrieval of speedboats.

Keka class launches have been commissioned to replace Damen class patrol launches which have been in service for 20 years. Six Keka class launches are now operational.