China has launched its most advanced maritime patrol ship off the coast of Weihai City in eastern Shandong Province, said an official with the Ministry of Transport Sunday.

It is a 114-meter-long patrol vessel equipped with a helicopter.

Nicknamed "Haixun 11", the ship was completed Saturday.

It will be put into use in June, said Liu Gongchen, deputy director of the maritime bureau under the ministry.

The ship is capable of carrying out maritime search-and-rescue missions, monitoring coastal waters, and serving as a command post, he said.

The launch of the vessel would enable the country to expand its maritime patrol scope and have longer and more regular patrols.

"Haixun 11" can sail as far as 6,000 nautical miles (6,900 miles) on one fuel supply. Its top speed reaches more than 40 km per hour.

(Xinhua News Agency March 1, 2009)