China launches salvage vessel

China’s most advanced salvage vessel “Nanhai 101” was recently launched at Guangzhou Huangpu Shipyard and will be delivered in October to the to Nanhai Rescue Bureau in the Ministry of Communications. The 109.7 metre long newbuilding is the first of its kind built in China during the 11th five-year plan period (2006-2010). It was designed by Shanghai Ship Design Institute, took fifteen months to build and will be equipped with most advanced facilities. With a displacement of 6,200 tons, the vessel will be able to sail for 10,000 nautical miles without refuelling. The 14 MW power plant will drive the vessel at a speed of 22 knots. The ship has a landing platform for helicopters and a capacity to deal with large oil spills. It will also be able to accommodate 200 rescued people and carry out fire fighting duties.