China's most advanced salvage ship named "Nanhai 101" was sent into water at Guangzhou Huangpu Shipyard on Saturday and would be delivered to the user in October, according to the Ministry of Communications.

 

Song Jiahui, an official in charge of rescue work with the ministry, said the ship would be turned over to Nanhai Rescue Bureau under the ministry.

 

Song said the ship is equipped with most advanced facilities and can work round the clock. It is 109.7 meters long with a displacement of 6,200 tons. It can sail for 10,000 sea miles without refueling at a speed of 22 knots. The power of its main engine reaches 14,000 kilowatts, he said.

 

The ship has a landing platform for helicopters and a strong capacity to deal with spilled oil. It can accommodate 200 rescued people and perform rescue missions such as fire fighting at night, said Song.

 

The ship is the first of its kind built in China during the 11th five-year plan period (2006-2010). It was designed by Shanghai Ship Design Institute and took fifteen months to build.

 

(Xinhua News Agency July 29, 2007)