Having said that, however, WS27 , which has an aluminium superstructure built onto a steel hull, still has a range of sophisticated radio gear and a sea/river radar as well as a side thruster. Her mast and stern platform can also be lowered hydraulically.

Hamburg-Harburg police chief Manfred Ross said the new boat was being used for both general river patrols and for specific checks on other craft, like sports boats.

WS27 replaces the 45-year-old WS26 . She was built at the REAN Shipyard in Sassnitz in the former GDR and is 14.75m long and 4.9m wide. She draws 1.3m and displaces 27m 3and her propulsion is via a 346kW MAN Diesel, Type D-2840LE, providing 22 kms/hour.

Two similar newbuildings for the Hamburg River Police are currently out for tender and REAN was reported hopeful it might win those orders as well.

Police spokesman Burkhard Rosenberg in Hamburg reminded MJ his authority was obliged under EU rules to invite tenders from throughout Europe, but that the police would accept the bid with the best price/performance ratio.

REAN MD Rainer Kaening was quoted as saying meanwhile that firm negotiations were also under way for a further two or three projects. The yard was busy as the new year got underway with maintenance work on a ferry ship and on the overhaul of the MTU propulsion system in a German Navy fast patrol boat.