Hulls and superstructures on the 6m wide boats, which draw 1.5m and displace 60 tons, are of sea-water resistant aluminium.

Fassmer said the modern shape of the boats, with integrated spray strips and a 45º supporting area in the rear bulge, had 'proven itself in terms of good sea-going properties, dynamic stability behaviour and low resistance'. A comparatively large rise in floor line and a sharp forebody meant they were also capable of maintaining speed in heavy seas, the yard declared.

Hoben is driven by two MAN diesels, Type D2842 LE40, each of 807kW, and operating over Reintjes one-level gear reduction and switching gear to two Piening fixed propellers developing 23.5 knots.

Electrical energy is from two Deutz BF 4 M C13 auxiliary diesels, each of 45 kVA, which can also be used to drive a 6kN bow thruster. Other on-board equipment includes a Kelvin Hughes Nucleus 3 5000/ATA radar, a Transas Navi Sailor 2400 ECS electronic sea chart, a GMDSS-compliant USW sea radio system, a BEN type Anthea speed measuring system and an Avon Searider SR 5.4 daughter boat .

Apart from the third police boat, Fassmer was delivering a 24m long sounding boat to a German customer in June and had six other vessels on order for delivery up to 2005, including a 43m long measurement ship and a 42m long fisheries research vessel, both for German account.

MJ Information No: 17158