The new vessel Sansha II completed its maiden voyage from the city of Wenchang, Hainan Province, to China's southernmost island city of Sansha where it will serve.
Sansha II, 128m long and 20.4m wide, can cover all waters in the South China Sea.
With 400 passenger seats, the roll-on roll-off ship has a maximum speed of 22 nautical miles per hour.
The new ship was designed to take on multiple roles, such as transport and supply services, emergency rescue and command, medical assistance, and scientific survey on islets and reefs.