Ageing police launch to be replaced

Auckland's ageing police launch, Deodar II, is on the books to be replaced.

Tenders have been called from the boat building industry to come up with the design which best suits the police and the Customs Department, and four new launches could be the result.
The 13-year-old Deodar is three years past its use-by date and is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain.

The police maritime unit said last year a replacement for Deodar was urgent. It was nursing the launch and not running it at full power to preserve it for as long as possible.

Tenders closed on December 2 and the police said a short list would be drawn up by March 10.

The tenders could lead to a new police launch for Wellington to replace the Lady Elizabeth III and at least one new customs launch to replace the Hawk.

The tender documents have demanded a new design which could go to sea in all but the worst conditions. It would also have to reach 20 knots in 2m waves but remain stable and safe in up to 4m seas.

- NZPA