China's biggest and most advanced patrol ship, Haixun 31, started its mission on Tuesday. Equipped with a world-leading information gathering system, it is able to work in all climates to safeguard maritime sovereignty.

Haixun 31 is 112 meters long and 14 meters wide, with a displacement of 3,500 tons. It will mainly patrol the South China Sea, a lifeline for China's energy, resources and container transportation.

The ship, which can carry a helicopter, began to be built in March 2003 after nearly two years of design and development. It first went on water in June of last year, and began its pilot voyage in November.

Liu Gongchen, deputy director of the Maritime Safety Administration, said the boat has a body strong enough to resist heavy winds and extreme waves. With a variety of functions, Haixun 31 boasts the most advanced patrolling technologies of all boats in China.

"The main task for this boat is to settle sea accidents within the shortest time, rescue passengers on sinking boats, direct sea transport and monitor pollution such as waste discharges," said Liu.?

Liu said it uses an advanced networking system that is used to gather and transmit information rapidly, meaning it can launch 24-hour rescue work with speed and accuracy.?

Liu added that, encouraged by its success, China plans to manufacture more patrol boats in the future.

"China has already had a patrol boat with a displacement of 1,500 tons which serves on the East China Sea. This year, we are preparing to build a 3,000-ton patrol boat for the northern Yellow Sea. In the next five years, we plan to build 1,000, 3,000 or 5,000-ton boats to reach developed country levels," said Liu.?

Liu also confirmed that full use will be made of them by strictly following international conventions and domestic laws with a view to better safeguarding China's maritime territory.

(CRI February?23, 2005)?