World's third largest semi-submersible ship heads for Guinea

(ECNS) -- Loaded with 13 engineering ships, the world's third largest semi-submersible vessel "Huaruilong" embarked on a landmark voyage from Ningde Port in east China's Fujian Province, en route to Guinea on Monday.

It boasts a carrying capacity of 80,000 metric tons.

Measuring 252 meters in length, 60 meters in width, and 14.8 meters in height, it can reach a maximum speed of 15 knots (27.78 kilometers) per hour and perform salvage capacity operations of up to 100,000metric tons.

The ships carried 13 engineering ships with a total value of 250 million yuan ($34.3 million), including one supply ship, six tugboats, and six flat-top barges. These vessels will support port construction and offshore operations in Guinea, aiding major civil engineering projects in the region.

Unlike traditional cargo ships, semi-submersible vessels like the Hualongcan transport specialized offshore equipment and energy vessels over long distances in one go or multiple trips.

Ships were loaded on Huaruilong like stacking building blocks to maximize cargo capacity advantages, said Liu Xudong, captain of Huarilong, Guangzhou Salvage Bureau, Ministry of Transport.

During loading, the Hualong submerged its deck over 20 meters to accommodate the cargo. The maritime department dispatched law enforcement personnel to ensure efficient operations.

Since the beginning of this year, Ningde Port has exported a total of 30 ships, with more than 80 percent of these vessels heading to countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, including Liberia and Guinea, according to statistics from the Ningde Immigration Inspection Station.