On December 29, China State Shipbuilding Corporation’s Shanghai Ship Research and Design Institute (SDARI) and the East China Sea Rescue Bureau of the Ministry of Transport signed a contract for the design of a large-scale comprehensive marine rescue vessel.
This large-scale integrated marine rescue vessel focuses on three core missions: deep-sea lifesaving operations, vessel rescue, and environmental protection. Upon completion, it will be deployed in the East China Sea to carry out domestic and international maritime rescue missions, serving as a vital component in China’s efforts to build a robust maritime emergency response system.
With comprehensive capabilities and versatile rescue functions, this vessel, as an unlimited-range vessel, integrates multiple rescue functions including large-scale maritime personnel transfer, deep-sea towing and rescue, firefighting, and rescue of hazardous chemical tankers. It also handles diverse tasks such as deep-sea surveying, submarine rescue, and emergency resupply, making it a fully equipped flagship for maritime rescue operations.
Robust performance for operations in deep and distant seas: This vessel has a full-load displacement of approximately 20,000 tons, a designed speed of no less than 17.5 knots, and a bollard pull exceeding 350 tons, possessing excellent capabilities to handle complex sea conditions. Based on a range of 16,000 nautical miles and an endurance of 90 days, combined with its powerful propulsion and precise control, this vessel will provide solid support for deep-sea rescue operations.
Three-dimensional layout, integrated rescue capabilities: The vessel features an open aft deck with over 1200 square meters of space for carrying rescue equipment. This complements the helicopter platform and hangar at the bow of the vessel, creating a comprehensive three-dimensional rescue capability encompassing air, surface, and underwater operations, fully covering all rescue scenarios.
Advanced Equipment, Intelligent Integrated Support: The vessel will be equipped with high-end detection devices such as a 6,000-meter-class multibeam echo sounder and a 1,000-meter ROV/AUV, along with specialized equipment including a 500-ton cable-laying machine and a 250-ton AHC crane. These systems provide intelligent, integrated technical support for rescue operations, significantly enhancing rescue efficiency and precision.
It is reported that the SDARI has successfully developed over 50 marine rescue vessels across more than ten variants, with power ratings covering 4,000 kW, 8,000 kW, 14,000 kW and 22,000 kW. This has established a full-spectrum rescue vessel lineup that caters to long, medium and short-range operations and incorporates large, medium and small-sized vessel classifications. Going forward, SDARI will continue to dedicate itself to the R&D of salvage and rescue equipment, providing solid support for building a strong transportation country and a strong maritime nation.