VESSEL REVIEW | Haixun 08 – Survey and patrol ship to operate in Chinese offshore waters

The Jiangnan Shipbuilding Group of the China Shipbuilding Group recently delivered a new hydrographic survey ship that will be operated by the China Maritime Safety Administration (CMSA).

Classed by China Classification Society, Haixun 08 ("Sea Patrol 08") has an LOA of 123.6 metres, a moulded beam of 21.2 metres, a design displacement of 7,500 tonnes, and space for 100 crewmembers. The vessel will be able to sail at a maximum speed of 15 knots while a range of 18,000 nautical miles can be achieved when cruising at 12 knots.

Features include a DP2 system, electric-powered azimuthing thrusters, retractable anti-roll fins, an anti-roll tank, and a drop-down gondola structure fitted with an array of sensors and other data-gathering equipment. The main generator is also fitted with a selective catalytic reduction system to further reduce emissions.

The hull is Ice class B3-certified, allowing the vessel to easily navigate through surface ice of up to 30 centimetres in thickness. Navigation is possible even under Sea State Five conditions whereas low-speed surveys can be performed under Sea State Four. The vessel can stay out at sea for a maximum of 60 days, allowing it to undertake seabed mapping missions of extended duration.

Besides performing its primary role of hydrographic surveys in offshore waters, Haixun 08 will also be utilised for search and rescue (SAR) and maritime sovereignty patrols.

Design work on Haixun 08 was provided by 708 Research Institute, a naval architecture arm of the China Shipbuilding Group. The vessel will be operated under the authority of the East China Sea Navigation Support Center of the Chinese Ministry of Transport.

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