VESSEL REVIEW | Qingrong – Fast multi-role USV for Chinese marine technology firm
China’s Qingdao Beihai Boat Company, a subsidiary of CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding, launched a new unmanned surface vehicle (USV) slated for Qingdao Junrong Marine Intelligent Technology (JMIT), in the city of Qingdao on April 21, 2026.
Qingrong (青融) is intended for marine scientific research, water area security, and emergency rescue. She is JMIT's first unmanned boat, and the company has described her as a low-cost, high-speed, multifunctional platform.
The USV was launched at Haixi Bay in Qingdao's West Coast New Area, 40 days after construction began.
The vessel's name combines "qing", a reference to Qingdao, with "rong", which stands for connectivity and the fusion of intelligence.
Capable of all-weather operation
The USV has an LOA of 7.15 metres (23.5 feet), a moulded beam of 2.27 metres (7.45 feet), and a displacement of 2.2 tonnes at full load. Her effective payload capacity is 700 kg (1,500 lb).
The onboard perception system consists of a lidar, a Raymarine millimetre-wave radar, and a high-definition electro-optical sensor pod. These work with a high-precision BeiDou positioning system, and the builder has described the arrangement as an all-weather, three-dimensional perception network.
Able to withstand disruptive physical and electromagnetic conditions
JMIT said the combination of multi-source perception and multiple communication links gives Qingrong L4-level autonomous navigation capability. The USV can be operated via remote control.
According to operator, the craft can work in complex sea conditions and strong electromagnetic environments.
Qingrong has a deep-V aluminium hull and outboard propulsion. She can reach a maximum speed in excess of 40 knots and she can sail up to 250 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 25 knots.
The USV is rated for safe operation in Sea State four conditions and for survival in Sea State five conditions.
Lead craft of a planned series
After launch, the USV demonstrated low-speed straight line navigation, turning and station keeping. The builder reported stable vessel attitude and responsive obstacle avoidance throughout her first voyage, with performance exceeding design expectations.
The builder and JMIT will now carry out extended endurance testing and joint commissioning of multiple mission payloads. Both companies said this work is intended to finalise the design and prepare the model for series production.