China's largest navigation aid ship "Haixun 176" enters service

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

Heavy rains prompted several regions across China to activate emergency responses on Sunday, with warnings of possible disasters caused by days of intense rains in some areas.

The meteorological service of Nanning City, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, issued an orange lightning warning on Sunday morning.

It warned that most urban areas of Nanning will be affected by thunderstorm and some parts of the city will see heavy precipitation and strong winds.

The lightning warning was followed by another yellow warning for rainstorm, with most parts of Nanning to see heavy rains of 20 to 40 millimeters.

In some areas, precipitation will exceed 50 millimeters and will also be accompanied by thunder and gusty winds.

The central province of Hubei activated a Level III emergency response for major meteorological disasters on Sunday morning.

Local meteorological service estimated that from Sunday night to Tuesday, the province will see heavy to torrential rains and some regions will experience downpours accompanied by severe convective weather.

Local authorities said the public should stay alert to secondary disasters triggered by persistent heavy rains.

Rains hit north China's Tianjin Municipality on Saturday night.

The rainfall intensified significantly on Sunday morning and the rainy weather is projected to last until Monday.

Heavy rains prompt emergency responses in several regions