A Chinese self-propelled deck vessel with a carrying capacity of 58,000 tonnes has successfully completed sea trials and has been declared seaworthy. This vessel is now the largest of its kind globally, reports the South China Morning Post.
Key Features
China’s new flat-top cargo ship, the Fan Zhou 8, has completed its sea trials after departing from the Taizhou Zhonghang Shipbuilding facility.
Key features of the Fan Zhou 8:
- Length: 256 meters (840ft)
- Width: 51 meters (167ft)
- Range: 16,000 nautical miles (29,600km)
- Maximum Speed: Over 15 knots (about 28km/h)
- Cargo Capacity: Wide range of cargo, including offshore oilfield equipment, wind and nuclear power equipment, and large vessel steel structures or sections.
The size of the deck has drawn comparisons to China’s first domestically developed aircraft carrier, the Fujian.
Global Leader
The distinction between civilian and military vessels has become increasingly blurred in recent years, with instances of civilian ships being utilized in military transport exercises. China’s shipbuilding industry has emerged as a global leader, accounting for 59% of global shipbuilding orders last year. The industry is actively transitioning towards higher-value-added vessels.
The MSC Irina, the world’s largest container ship, is a testament to China’s shipbuilding prowess. Built-in China for the Mediterranean Shipping Company, it boasts a capacity of 24,346 TEUs and measures approximately 400 meters in length.
Driven by strong state support and significant production capabilities, China’s shipbuilding industry witnessed substantial growth in the first half of the year, with an 18% increase in output and a 43% increase in orders.
This growth trajectory is projected to continue, fueled by increasing global market demand and the expansion of China’s naval capabilities, including the growth of its naval fleets.
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Source: South China Morning Post
