The world's first self-propelled aquaculture vessel, featuring a pollution-free seawater exchange system, was launched into water on Tuesday in Jiangmen City, south China's Guangdong Province.
As the world's first and China's groundbreaking large-scale far-sea aquaculture vessel featuring natural water exchange functions, the vessel combines smart aquaculture practices with energy conservation, environmental protection and a blend of fishery and tourism.
The vessel measures 155.8 meters in length, 44 meters in width, and 24 meters in depth, with a maximum draft of 20 meters.
Equipped with 12 independent aquaculture cabins capable of holding a total of 80,000 cubic meters of aquaculture water, the vessel boasts a maximum annual production capacity of 5,000 tons of seafood.
Unlike traditional fixed-location aquaculture, the vessel can move to areas with the most optimal water quality for fish growth, greatly enhancing the quality of seafood. "The vessel is powered by electricity, making it more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. It can travel up to 2,000 nautical miles on a single journey," said Liang Kaibin, president of Zhuhai Ocean Development Group.
The vessel is expected to be officially put into use in the second half of this year.
World's first self-propelled aquaculture vessel launched into water
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
