The "Haixun 176", a large navigation aid ship independently designed and built in China, was officially commissioned into the Navigation Guarantee Center of the South China Sea under the Ministry of Transport on Thursday.
It is currently the largest and most advanced vessel of its kind within China's transport system.
With a length of 75.2 meters, a width of 14 meters, and a full-load displacement of 2,360 tonnes, the "Haixun 176" has a range of 5,000 nautical miles and is equipped with a fully-electric propulsion system.
The ship uses an integrated power station, which enables simple operation management, supports long-term maritime emergency missions, and ensures flexible operation even under complex sea conditions. These features significantly enhance navigation support capabilities in the South China Sea.
"The 'Haixun 176' has not only made significant improvements in energy efficiency and environmental protection but also demonstrates precise positioning and flexible maneuvering capabilities in complex sea conditions. It also possesses strong operational capabilities, including a 20-ton crane and self-stowing chain winch, allowing it to perform navigation aid deployment and maintenance even in challenging maritime environments. Additionally, the vessel incorporates an intelligent engine room that monitors equipment status and provides fault warnings, thereby enhancing operational efficiency to a certain extent," said Zhou Zhiquan, captain of the "Haixun 176".
"The 'Haixun 176,' after being commissioned, will undertake tasks such as the deployment and maintenance of navigation aids within its jurisdiction. It will particularly provide safe, convenient, and efficient navigational support services for key waters like the Qiongzhou Strait and the Sansha area. Navigation buoy maintenance and servicing now cover the whole of the maritime zone surrounding Hainan Island and the full Sansha jurisdiction," said Qin Xuening, director of Haikou navigation mark department under the South China Sea Navigation Support Center.
China's largest navigation aid ship "Haixun 176" enters service
China's largest navigation aid ship "Haixun 176" enters service
Voting for the election of the eighth-term Legislative Council (LegCo) of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) concluded on Sunday night.
Voting for the election began at 07:30 a.m. local time on Sunday. More than 600 polling stations were opened across Hong Kong, serving approximately 4.13 million registered voters.
Long queues had already formed outside multiple polling stations across Hong Kong before the polls opened. At polling station entrances, staff and volunteers attentively assisted voters with the procedures. Some voters posed for a photo holding a thank-you card given by staff after casting their ballot.
"As a Hong Kong citizen, I think it's my responsibility to vote, and I don't want to give up my rights. That's why I come here to support," a voter said.
"We actually flew in from Thailand. Learning today is a special day to vote, we actually canceled all our appointments and canceled everything, and we flew in with the whole family just to be part of Hong Kong and to vote, and to cast our vote and be part of the community," said another voter.
HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee cast his ballot at around 08:30 a.m. at Raimondi College on Robinson Road. He said that the LegCo election is of great importance to Hong Kong's overall development and future reforms, and it also represents the expectations of Hong Kong society.
A number of voters said they look forward to the new term of the Legislative Council taking greater responsibility in advancing Hong Kong's economy, society, and public welfare.
"I think an area of focus I'd like to see is, one is the economy, and secondly is youth mobility and youth policies. I think youth are the future, and it's very important to get unity within the youth and also give us hope, right? The youth in general -- what can we do to, for us as youth, to partake in civil society and to show our responsibility, but also from the government, like, what kind of policy that can help us do that as well," said a young voter.
"I hope that there will be more fair education in the sense that even people from the poor family, they can actually receive good education in good schools," another voter said.
The new term of LegCo will be composed of 90 members, including 40 elected by the Election Committee, 30 elected by functional constituencies, and 20 elected by geographical constituencies through direct elections.
The eighth-term LegCo of the HKSAR will commence its four-year term on Jan 1, 2026.
Voting for 8th-term HKSAR LegCo election concludes
