On November 13, the large-scale buoy tender “Haixun 176”, constructed by Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group.,Ltd (“WS”) under China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), was officially commissioned into the South China Sea Maritime Safety Support Center of the Ministry of Transport.
The Haixun 176 is currently China’s largest and most advanced buoy tender in the transportation system, significantly enhancing comprehensive maritime safety services and emergency response capabilities in the South China Sea region. It has an overall length of 75.2 meters, a beam of 14 meters, a full load displacement of 2,360 tons, an endurance of 5,000 nautical miles and a maximum speed exceeding 15 knots.
The vessel employs an all-electric propulsion system with dual azimuth thrusters and is equipped with a dynamic positioning system. It can safely navigate in Sea State 6 conditions and conduct operations in Sea State 4 conditions. Its extended endurance enables support for offshore buoy deployment and emergency repair missions.
The vessel employs a fully electric propulsion system with twin azimuth propellers and a dynamic positioning system, enabling safe navigation in sea state 6 and safe operation in sea state 4. With its long endurance, it can support the deployment of navigational aids in distant waters and emergency repairs.
In terms of low-carbon environmental protection, the vessel incorporates multiple eco-friendly technologies, including low-sulfur fuel oil tanks, sulfur oil cooling systems and oil-water separation devices. Wastewater is treated to meet standards before being discharged. The cabins utilize high-efficiency insulation materials, reducing heat transfer and condensation, and improving energy efficiency. Furthermore, as a domestic seagoing vessel, it uses seawater within the jurisdiction as ballast water, thus causing no environmental pollution.
The “Haixun 176” vessel will undertake tasks including the deployment, maintenance, and navigation assistance management of buoys in China’s South China Sea waters. Additionally, it will perform multiple functions such as marine oil spill response, maritime emergency search and rescue, crew transportation, material resupply and radio navigation signal monitoring. The vessel will primarily serve the Qiongzhou Strait, Sansha, and other waters, enhancing navigation support capabilities and service standards in the South China Sea. The vessel will increase buoy maintenance efficiency by 35% and improve emergency response timeliness by 15%.
For years, WS has consistently focused on the construction of government law enforcement vessels, accumulating a strong track record and establishing a solid brand reputation in this field. In recent years, the shipyard has successfully delivered multiple vessels including the “Haixun 01”, “Haixun 06”, “Haixun 173”, “Haixun 156”, and “Haixun 041”, which have made significant contributions to safeguarding China’s maritime rights and ensuring navigation safety after being commissioned.