VESSEL REVIEW | Zhongguo Yuzheng 33201 – Fast fisheries enforcement vessel for operation off eastern China

The Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) recently took delivery of a new high-speed fisheries enforcement vessel.

Built by Jianglong Shipbuilding to a design by the Wuhan Ship Design and Research Institute, Zhongguo Yuzheng 33201 (中国渔政33201; "China Fisheries Administration 33201") has a deep V-shaped hull, a steel/aluminium composite superstructure, an LOA of 56.4 metres (185 feet), a beam of eight metres (26 feet), a full load draught of only 2.1 metres (6.9 feet), a depth of 3.8 metres (12 feet), and a displacement of 344 tonnes.

Four MTU main engines that each produce 1,939 kW (2,600 hp) drive propellers to deliver a maximum speed of just over 30 knots and a range of 1,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 18 knots. The 30-knot top speed makes Zhongguo Yuzheng 33201 the fastest 300-tonne vessel in the MARA fisheries enforcement fleet.

The newbuild is fitted with an intelligent anti-roll system that can be used safely under a broad range of speed settings and sea conditions, reducing crew fatigue. The system includes a gyroscope for use at low speeds and a fin for use at high speeds.

Sensor data integration guaranteeing enhanced situational awareness

An integrated information-gathering system will meanwhile collate data gathered by the various onboard sensors to provide the crew with real-time updates on the conditions around the vessel, thus enhancing their situational awareness.

The vessel also features intelligent law enforcement assistance capability that integrates various functions including radio monitoring and video conferencing. The installed firefighting monitor may also be used as a non-lethal means of discouraging illegal fishing boats from entering the vessel's areas of responsibility.

Can transport smaller craft to expand surveillance and enforcement coverage

Space is available at the stern for the storage, launch, and recovery of a 8.5-metre (28-foot) fast boat for use in at-sea interceptions and boardings and for operating in areas that the larger enforcement vessel cannot access due to size and draught restrictions.

The enforcement vessel can also deploy unmanned aerial vehicles to aid in over-the-horizon surveillance.

Zhongguo Yuzheng 33201 will be operated by the MARA fisheries enforcement office responsible for the waters off the city of Ningbo in eastern China’s Zhejiang province.