UK
For the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, the China Border Police – the Chinese Coast Guard – ordered a new boat especially for Olympic Games security operations.
The fast patrol boat, a Sea Dragon SD2188, is powered by quad Volvo Penta D12-715 engines and driven by SDS-3 surface propellers. The Sea Dragon is not only fast (40 knots at full load, cruising speed 30 knots) but also built for efficiency in rough sea.
The boat was designed and manufactured by Shenzhen Hispeed Boats Technology and Development Co, Ltd. Because of the high performance of the boat, the shipyard has subsequently received requests from several governmental customers, such as China MSA – the Maritime Safety Administration. The new upgraded generation of Sea Dragons (SD2488, as shown in the picures) are powered by Volvo Penta D13-800MC engines, giving a top speed of 50 knots.
Consider these figures, and you will understand why Olympics security has to be kept really tight: Nearly 5 billion viewers watched 10,942 athletes from 204 countries compete in 28 sports and set 43 world records at 302 events at 37 venues.