China's largest maritime patrol vessel was launched at Guangzhou Wenchong Shipyard, in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on Sept 29, 2020. (Photo by Huang Jinghua for chinadaily.com.cn)
China's largest patrol vessel was launched at a shipyard in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on Tuesday.
Built by Guangzhou Wenchong Shipyard of China State Shipbuilding Corp, the Haixun 09will be managed by the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration once it's commissioned.
It's a cutting-edge maritime safety patrol vessel with advanced equipment, measuring 165 meters in length and a top speed of more than 25 knots (46 kilometers per hour).
It can sail more than 10,000 nautical miles at an economic speed of 16 knots in a single voyage and sustain expeditions of 90 days or more.
It has a helicopter landing pad and a data center with multiple sets of satellite communication systems, including the Chinese Beidou Navigation Satellite System.
The craft will help strengthen maritime traffic control and provide emergency support, said Cao Desheng, director of the Maritime Safety Administration of China. It will help ensure safe and smooth maritime transport, elevate the quality of maritime traffic governance and safeguard China's maritime interests, Cao said.