Recently, Jiangsu Runyang Shipbuilding kicked off construction of two self-propelled/non-self-propelled offshore rocket recovery vessels for Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Co., Ltd. (HICAL). These vessels are designed for reusable offshore rocket recovery systems. The commencement of construction for these vesses fills a gap in China’s high-tech shipbuilding and offshore engineering equipment industry.
The two vessels commencing construction include a self-propelled offshore rocket recovery vessel and a non-self-propelled offshore rocket recovery vessel. Both vessels feature advanced all-electric propulsion systems, eliminating traditional mechanical propulsion shaft designs. They are capable of DP-2 dynamic positioning, unmanned operation, and remote control, demonstrating outstanding performance in green, eco-friendly, and intelligent aspects. The construction period is one and a half years, with delivery expected in spring 2027.
The self-propelled offshore rocket recovery vessel measures 140 meters in overall length, 40 meters in beam, with a maximum width of 52 meters. Its rocket launch and recovery area spans 2,000 square meters, and it has a designed displacement of 25,000 tons. Featuring a monohull steel structure and DP-2 dynamic positioning system, the vessel achieves precise positioning and long-distance navigation in designated maritime zones. Capable of both rocket launch and recovery operations, it represents a pioneering domestic innovation that deeply integrates offshore engineering with aerospace technology.
The non-self-propelled offshore rocket recovery vessel, on the other hand, is a wide-deck vessel. It has an overall length of 110 meters, a beam of 42 meters, and a designed displacement of 24,000 tons. Equally equipped with a 2,000-square-meter recovery area, it is suitable for conducting rocket recovery operations in long-distance navigation areas.
Jiangsu Runyang Shipbuilding currently has the capability to construct various large deck cargo vessels, container ships, oil tankers, chemical tankers, rocket launch return vessels, and diverse offshore engineering vessels under 100,000 tons. Its products are exported to numerous countries and regions including Singapore, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Netherlands, and South Korea. From January to September this year, the company delivered 12 vessels, achieving a 50% year-on-year increase in invoiced sales. With a current order backlog of 28 vessels and production scheduled through the end of 2028, it is expected to deliver 15 vessels of various types this year.