MBPA Commissions 3 Fire Tenders, Dewatering Pump At Victoria Docks

On 19 August, the Mumbai Port Authority (MBPA) commissioned three new fire tenders and a dewatering pump at the Fire Memorial in Victoria Docks. These additional assets are intended to bolster the Port Fire Service's capabilities in responding to fires within the port's premises. The port accommodates various forms of petroleum products, chemicals, cargo vessels, warehouses, oil jetties, and marine infrastructure, all of which require swift fire response measures to ensure safety.

The newly deployed fire tenders are armed with high-pressure monitors capable of projecting water over considerable distances. This feature allows firefighters to tackle incidents from a safer vantage point, even amidst intense heat and dense smoke. The vehicles also feature multi-pressure fire pumps, with a normal pressure range of 2,850 to 3,000 liters per minute (LPM) at 7 to 10 bar, and a high-pressure range of 250 to 400 LPM at 30 to 35 bar.

Their extensive water and foam tanks ensure that firefighting operations can persist for extended periods without needing frequent replenishment, which is crucial during emergencies at berths, vessels, storage areas, and other port locations.

Additionally, a trailer-mounted dewatering pump has been added to the equipment roster. This diesel-driven, auto-priming pump boasts a 52-horsepower (HP) capacity, with a discharge rate of 550 cubic meters per hour. Its 8-inch suction and discharge capabilities, minimum suction head of 40 meters, and ability to lift water up to 9 meters from the ground further enhance its utility.

The incorporation of the fire tenders and dewatering pump into the MBPA's arsenal will undoubtedly enhance the Port Fire Service's capacity to manage fire and emergency situations effectively within Mumbai Port's premises.