China Launches Large Fast Patrol Boat

China launches its largest & most advanced patrol vessel 'Haixun 01' in Wuhan, Hubei province.

Haixun 01 is the first Chinese patrol vessel to simultaneously incorporate marine inspection and rescue functions. It will carry out missions regarding maritime inspection, safety monitoring, rescue, oil spill detection and handling, said Xu Guoyi, head of the Shanghai Maritime Bureau, which will manage the ship, which is expected to come into service in late 2012.

The Haixun 01 is 128.6 meters in length with a design speed of 37 km per hour and  a maximum sailing distance of 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 km) without refueling, said Tang Gongjie, general manager of Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Company Ltd, the builder of the ship.

The new ship can accommodate 200 people rescued at sea and will be equipped to offer basic medical treatment and surgeries. The vessel also has a helipad.

In addition to rescue missions, the Haixun 01 will be able to tow ships as well fight fires.

China currently has two 3,000-tonnage patrol vessels, Haixun 11 and Haixun 31, and a 1,500-tonnage patrol vessel, Haixun 21, to handle maritime inspection, salvage and maritime traffic management in the country's coastal waters.