VESSEL REVIEW | Hua Ruilong – Heavy-lift salvage ship for Chinese Ministry of Transport

China Merchants Heavy Industry Jiangsu recently handed over a new semi-submersible, heavy-lift vessel to the Chinese Ministry of Transport.

Classed by China Classification Society (CCS), Hua Ruilong will be operated by the Guangzhou Salvage Bureau with commercial operation undertaken by Germany-based United Heavy Transport. The newbuild has an LOA of 252 metres, a moulded beam of 60 metres, a moulded depth of 14.8 metres, all-electric propulsion that can deliver a speed of 15 knots, and a DP2 system.

The prominent asymmetric design places the superstructure forward and out to starboard to maximise the available space on deck. The size meanwhile makes the vessel the second-largest vessel of its kind in China and the third-largest in the world, according to the manufacturer.

Although designed primarily for the transport of damaged vessels of up to 100,000 tonnes as well as large offshore platform components, Hua Ruilong may also be employed for oil spill prevention duties and recovery of other vehicles in the water such as downed aircraft and satellites.

The electronics suite also includes equipment from Sailor.

Design work on Hua Ruilong was provided by China State Shipbuilding Corporation's 708 Research Institute.