On 24 February 2026, five new high-speed firefighting response vessels (RAFNAR FIFI 45) were officially delivered to the Hellenic Fire Corps during a ceremony held at the 5th Fire Station of Piraeus Port. The acquisition forms part of the National “Aegis” Program and was financed by the European Investment Bank through Greece’s Public Investment Program. The initiative represents a significant upgrade of the country’s maritime firefighting and rescue capabilities, strengthening operational readiness in coastal and island regions.

The five vessels will be deployed to the ports of Piraeus, Heraklion, Patras, Thessaloniki, and Igoumenitsa. With their addition, the Fire Corps fleet now totals 15 vessels, while 12 additional multi-purpose boats are expected to join soon, raising the total fleet to 27. According to Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Giannis Kefalogiannis, the investment is part of a coherent, long-term strategy to enhance maritime civil protection, rather than a standalone procurement.

Greece’s extensive coastline—the second longest in Europe—along with its hundreds of islands, major international ports, and intense tourism and commercial activity, makes rapid maritime response capacity essential. The Minister emphasized that equal levels of protection for citizens and visitors, regardless of geographic location, constitute both a political priority and a constitutional obligation. He noted that climate change is increasing not only the number but also the complexity and simultaneity of incidents, requiring multi-domain response capabilities from land, air, and sea.

The RAFNAR FIFI 45 vessels combine high speed, reliability, and advanced technology to ensure rapid response even in adverse weather conditions. Each vessel is 12 meters long and can reach speeds of up to 50 knots, with an operational range exceeding 250 nautical miles. Powered by three diesel outboard engines producing a total of 1,050 horsepower, the boats offer exceptional acceleration, maneuverability, and stability during operations.

Constructed from reinforced composite materials, the vessels are capable of operating safely in wave heights up to 4 meters and winds of up to 8 Beaufort. These specifications significantly reduce response time and maintain operational readiness under harsh maritime conditions.

In terms of firefighting capacity, each vessel is equipped with a pump delivering 2,000 liters of water per minute, a firefighting monitor capable of projecting water up to 45 meters, and a self-protection system. These features allow immediate and effective response to fires aboard ships, in ports, and in coastal infrastructure.

The boats also serve critical search-and-rescue and humanitarian functions. They can rescue individuals from the sea, transport up to 12 people, and safely carry injured or ill persons on stretchers. A thermal imaging camera enhances search and rescue operations in low-visibility conditions and enables effective nighttime missions.

Fire Corps Chief Lieutenant General Theodoros Vagias highlighted that beyond speed and technological sophistication, the vessels were designed to ensure safe transport of casualties and improved coordination during complex maritime incidents. He stressed that operational enhancement also depends on well-trained personnel capable of making rapid decisions under pressure.

Representatives of RAFNAR Hellas described the vessels as a fully Greek-designed and manufactured product already exported to demanding international markets. The collaboration between the Ministry, the Fire Corps, and industry partners was described as effective and focused on quality and reliability.

Overall, the delivery marks a substantial strengthening of Greece’s maritime civil protection framework, enhancing resilience, reducing response times, and reinforcing the country’s ability to safeguard human life, infrastructure, and the marine environment.