The vessels are for service with Chinese coastal region and port authorities and a further six are expected to be supplied before year's end.

The first boat is powered by twin Volvo Diesels and is capable of 32 to 33 knots. Qingdao General Manager Hans Mussland told MJ that the glass fibre twin hull and double knuckle configuration can be fitted with a series of engine options for speeds up to 45 knots.

Schat Harding is better known as a leading builder of lifeboats and davits. It expanded production in Qingdao last year in order to build new boats and offer local production backed by a global service. The company's MD Over Roessland said, 'This is an exciting new venture for us, using our extensive experience with glass fibre craft in a new sector of the market, and it confirms our belief that beginning production of boats in China will increase our overall market in Asia.'

Last year Schat Harding said demands from leading South Korean shipyards like HHI, Daewoo, Samsung and Hanjin for higher quality lifeboats with guaranteed lifetime maintenance had sent production at Qingdao soaring, with 100 units sold in the first eight months.

Schat Harding sales and marketing manager Per Einar Gjerding added, 'We took over the Qingdao plant so that we could provide Asian yards with a locally produced boat backed by a major global service force, and demand has been stronger than we expected. We are also exporting boats back to Europe to supplement Norwegian production.'