China launched its largest and most advanced patrol vessel Haixun01 on Saturday in Wuhan, a city in the Hubei province. The 5,000 ton class Haixun01 is the first Chinese patrol vessel to simultaneously incorporate marine inspection and rescue functions. It will be assigned maritime inspection, safety monitoring, rescue, oil spill detection and handling, said Xu Guoyi, head of the Shanghai Maritime Bureau, which will manage the ship. The vessel is expected to enter service by year’s end. China currently operates two 3,000-ton patrol vessels, Haixun 11 and Haixun 31, and the 1,500-ton patrol vessel Haixun 21, all handling maritime inspection, salvage and maritime traffic management in the country’s coastal waters.
The 5,418 ton ship is 128.6 meters in length. Its sailing speed is 20 knots and the unrefueled mission range is 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 km). The vessel was built by the Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Company Ltd.
The ship has accommodations for 200 people rescued at sea and will be equipped with devices to offer basic medical treatment and surgeries. The vessel also has a helipad to support airborne search and rescue missions. In addition, the ship is able to tow other vessels or assist in firefighting on other boats.
