Silver Ships recently delivered its first Endeavor 32-class fireboat, designed for Norfolk Fire-Rescue (NFR) in Norfolk, Va.
The multi-mission boat will serve the city of Norfolk, as well as the Port Authority, and “further support and advance the fire service and EMS response missions of Norfolk Fire-Rescue and be utilized not only for firefighting, but patient treatment and transport, water rescue emergencies, and water supply via a large diameter hose outlet, as well,” the NFR said.
The Endeavor 32 is powered by twin 300-hp Yamaha outboard motors that give the boat a top speed of more than 40 knots and is equipped with a 1,000-gpm fire system and a full Raymarine navigational electronics suite that includes an eAIS 5000 transceiver.
The pilothouse is fully enclosed and features an overpressure air filtration system for operating in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) environments.
The boat was built with a custom design suited to the particular needs of the NFR, said Theodore, Al.-based Silver Ships.
While the Endeavor 32 is similar to the company’s Endeavor 30 workboat series, the new fireboat’s increased length “accommodates a more robust fire system without having to upgrade to a much larger workboat. It also provides the NFR with a smaller fast response workboat while increasing boat capacity,” the company said.
“We are excited for this opportunity to play a role in enhancing the safety and security of Norfolk’s waters and its community,” Dave Hunt, director of business development at Silver Ships, said in a statement. “This vessel represents Silver Ships’ dedication to the safety and service of first responders nationwide.”
Funding for the boat was provided by a federal grant through the Department of Homeland Security, while its navigational electronics were funded through the federal agency’s Port Security Grant Program.