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China delivers first command ship for Pinglu Canal trade route
The 134 km canal linking Nanning and Vietnam’s Beibu Gulf is set to align with the China Asean Expo in mid September, with the first vessel entering service soon.
China has delivered the first command and management vessel for the Pinglu Canal, a strategic waterway intended to boost shipping between China and Southeast Asia. The vessel, dubbed Pinglu 001, was delivered on Monday and is set to enter service as preparations continue for the canal’s official opening later this month, according to SCMP Economy.
The canal will span 134 km, linking Nanning in Guangxi to the Gulf of Tonkin, also known as the Beibu Gulf, between China and Vietnam. SCMP Economy reports the canal will be supported by a fleet of command vessels that will patrol the route to oversee navigation and respond to emergencies.
The command ships can operate in both coastal and inland waters and are designed to carry up to 50 operational personnel, with navigation systems undergoing testing at shore-based facilities in Qinzhou, Guangxi. The state-run People’s Daily said the testing will be conducted where the canal empties into the sea.
SCMP Economy adds that the canal’s debut is expected to coincide with the 23rd China Asean Expo in Nanning, scheduled for September 17 to 21. The project is described as a 72.7 billion yuan, or US$10.8 billion, megaproject.