China launches self-developed Antarctic krill-harvest vessel

(ECNS) -- China's largest, self-developed Antarctic krill harvesting vessel, the Fu Yuan Yu 9199, set sail from a port in Fuzhou, Fujian Province on Monday.

Measuring 138.8 meters in length, 24 meters in width, and 12 meters in height, it has a total tonnage of 16,000 metric tons. Built with a total investment of 601 million yuan ($82.8 million), the vessel features advanced technologies, including a continuous pump-suction fishing system and a fully automated krill product production line. It can process peeled krill meat continuously while automating packaging and transportation operations.

The ship can operate continuously for over a year in temperatures as low as minus 25°Cand navigate through ice up to one meter thick.

The Fuzhou Border Inspection Station completed the verification of all 85 crew members to ensure its departure to the Antarctic, said LiuFengchun, a staff member at the border inspection.