VESSEL REVIEW | Zhongguo Yuzheng 45903 – Fast boat for fisheries enforcement duties off Guangxi, China

The Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) has taken delivery of a new high-speed fisheries enforcement vessel built by China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) via its CSSC Beibu Gulf Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering Design division.

Zhongguo Yuzheng 45903 (中国渔政45903; "China Fishery Administration 45903") will be operated by MARA via the Agriculture and Rural Bureau of Qinnan District within Qinzhou City the Guangxi autonomous region of southern China.

Ideal for heavy-duty use

The vessel has all-aluminium construction, an LOA of 14.7 metres (48.2 feet), a beam of 3.37 metres (11.1 feet), a depth of 1.63 metres (5.35 feet), and speeds of up to 38 knots courtesy of three Suzuki outboard engines.

Aluminium was chosen for the vessel’s construction due to the material's low weight, minimal wake and vibration, and improved resistance to corrosion. This ensures durability to permit sustained use in the waters off Qinzhou City, where fishing and aquaculture are major contributors to the local economy.

Compact, versatile patrol platform

The vessel’s duties will include surveillance, boarding and inspections, general maritime law enforcement patrols, and protection of marine environmental resources. Its compact size and shallow draught allow it to easily access coastal as well as offshore waters while its high transit speed means it can be quickly deployed to critical areas.