This photo published on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 shows a command vessel anchored in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province. The vessel will head for Shanghai on Thursday to begin its counter-terrorism mission during the World Expo. [Wuhan Evening News]

A command vessel is scheduled to head for Shanghai Thursday to begin its counter-terrorism mission during the upcoming World Expo.

The high-tech vessel was constructed in central China's Wuhan at a cost of 24 million yuan. With a length of 42 metres and a width of 7.6 metres, it can reach a speed of up to 40 kilometres per hour, and has a cruising radius of 540 kilometres.

The advanced onboard communications system enables "seamless connection" between the three-storeyed vessel and the shore-based command centre, Wuhan Evening News says.

In addition, night vision cameras can take clear pictures in the dark and immediately relay files to police on land.

(CRI April 8, 2010)