China becomes world-largest emerging market for dynamic positioning vessels: association

China has become the world's largest emerging market for dynamic positioning (DP) vessels, thanks to the implementation of a national strategy focused on maritime sector development, according to Song Jiahui, director of China Diving and Salvage Association.

Song made the remarks while releasing certificates to the country's first cohort of operators for dynamic positioning systems used by vessels and maritime facilities, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

As an advanced vessel operation system, the dynamic positioning system offers a method for a vessel to hold in a designated area and is one of the most important equipment for diving and salvage, according to Song.

He said the dynamic positioning system and operation technologies have been widely applied in sectors including offshore oil, offshore wind-power facilities and channel dredging.

The awarding of the certificates marks that China has made a breakthrough in the dynamic positioning training and certification system construction, Song said.

The most dynamic positioning systems currently used in China are introduced form overseas, and Chinese operators previously had to be trained in other countries. The self-independent training and certification of related systems and technologies will also pave way for the application of domestically-made equipment and contribute to the country's development into a maritime power, the Shanghai Observer reported.