China commissions large patrol vessel

SHANGHAI - Shanghai maritime authorities added a large patrol vessel, Haixun 01, to its fleet on Tuesday.

Haixun 01 is the first Chinese vessel to simultaneously incorporate marine inspection and rescue functions.

It will carry out missions regarding maritime inspection, safety monitoring, rescue, oil spillage detection and handling, said Xu Guoyi, head of Shanghai Maritime Bureau, which manages the ship.

The 5,418-tonnage Haixun 01 is 128.6 meters in length, 16 meters in width and has a maximum sailing distance of 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 km) without refueling.

The ship can accommodate 200 people rescued at sea and is equipped with medical treatment facilities. The vessel also has a 360-square meter-helipad so airborne search and rescue missions can be carried out from it.

Haixun 01 has equipment to intensify sound and water cannon systems in a bid to ensure safety especially under pirate assaults.

Earlier this month, the State Oceanic Administration released the 12th five year plan of oceanic development saying the country's maritime rights and interests faced complicated situations and safety threats.

These include sovereignty over the islands, sea boundary delimitation, sea resources disputes and protecting the sea environment, it stated.

It also suggested the nation beef up support in maritime development and comprehensive management.

Tang Yuecai, division head of Shanghai Maritime Bureau, said the vessel has better seaworthiness and can counter gales as large as grade 12 (the highest) and sea conditions at grade 9 (the highest) at most.

"Haixun 01 can cope with any adverse sea conditions so long as there is no misoperation," said Tang.

To meet the demand in safeguarding maritime sovereignty and interests, more efforts will be made in developing larger and more advanced vessels with greater open water capability, Xu Guoyi said.