Hampshire Police Authority Marine Unit has ordered a new LOCHIN 367 POLICE LAUNCH purpose designed to fulfil expected changes in their operational status in Southampton.

The new vessel is expected to service the Solent and adjacent sea areas, hence their choice of the Lochin as a capable ‘offshore’ craft with a longer range capability higher cruise speed capability of 20 knots fully laden. The proven qualities of this 11m hull utilises an innovative flexible wheelhouse format offering optional length and width to satisfy specific applications. This design has been pivotal to the awarding of this contract where space utilisation for specialist equipment, a comfortable living area and a significantly enhanced operating capability were prerequisite requirements.

This LOCHIN 367 will be fitted with twin Cummins QSB5.9 engines developing 425hp each connected to Twin Disc MGX electronic gearboxes giving a usable range of 250nm at cruise. The internal accommodation provides dedicated operating desks for surveillance and monitoring equipment, facilities for a crew compliment of up to six officers with onboard services for duration operations in an offshore environment.

The build strategy, sophisticated electrical system and electronics package are designed for a 15 year service life typically operating around 1500 hours per annum.

The police launch is perhaps the most frequently seen vessel in an the Solent which boasts the most diverse range of commercial and leisure vessels operating in the busy confines of the Solent – reportedly the busiest waterway in the world.