VESSEL REVIEW | Zhongguo Haiguan 1101 – New anti-smuggling vessels for China’s customs enforcement agency

The General Administration of Customs (GAC), the main customs enforcement agency of the Chinese government, has expanded its maritime law enforcement fleet through the recent acquisition of two locally built, steel-aluminium vessels to be used primarily in the anti-smuggling role.

Sister vessels Zhongguo Haiguan 1101 (“China Customs 1101”) and Zhongguo Haiguan 1102 (“China Customs 1102”) were built in compliance to China Classification Society (CCS) rules.

Each newbuild has an LOA of 49 metres, a beam of 7.4 metres, a depth of 3.5 metres, and accommodations for 24 crewmembers. The vessels are therefore larger than earlier anti-smuggling platforms in the GAC fleet.

Three 1,939kW diesel engines driving an equal number of propellers allow each vessel to sail at speeds of up to 34 knots. Cruising at more economical speeds will ensure a maximum range of 850 nautical miles, thus providing these vessels with greater endurance compared to the GAC’s

The builder said that three propellers and three rudders were fitted to each vessel to ensure high levels of seakeeping ability, stability, and controllability in addition to high operating speeds.

Advanced onboard sensors include radar and a satellite-capable remote video system. The builder added that the vessels are also fitted with intelligent investigation and evidence collection equipment, though no specific details have yet been disclosed as to the types of equipment and their respective capabilities. These features nonetheless make the newbuilds the most advanced law enforcement vessels in the GAC fleet, according to an official of the agency.

The vessels’ area of operations will encompass the Pearl River Delta in Guangzhou and the Lingding Channel, which serves as a gateway connecting mainland China with Hong Kong and Macau.

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