Cargo Business Newswire

Friday, May 9, 2014

Port of Long Beach acquires new emergency landing vehicle

Port of Long Beach recently acquired a refurbished and retrofitted landing craft that will boost their emergency recovery capabilities, according to a port statement.

Donated by the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency, the Landing Craft Mechanized Mark 8, or LCM-8, was fully renovated and is now equipped with cleaner engines, a salvage crane and a galley. The Port notes the vessel's "drop-down ramp" can be lowered to allow emergency vehicles to drive from land directly onto the boat and back out again in case of a natural disaster that makes roads and bridges impassable.

The vessel also features a hydraulic system with an 8-ton crane mounted on the side, which the port says is capable of plucking vehicles out of the water and lowering them into the well deck.

"This boat is perfect for search, salvage and rescue operations," said Harbor Commission Vice President Rich Dines. "It will be beneficial to other City departments, as well as allow us to maintain safe navigation within our port."

The California Port and Maritime Security Grant Program was the primary funder of the renovations, which cost $1.5 million, the statement said.