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)?
