China's first nongovernment-initiated oceangoing medical rescue vessel launched in Zhejiang

Accompanied by a clear, prolonged whistle, China's first nongovernment-initiated oceangoing medical rescue vessel was launched in a shipyard in Linhai, Taizhou, on the morning of Sept 23.

Integrating medical services, training, and rescue functions, the vessel is the only one of its kind in the world with such comprehensive capabilities. The launch marked a step closer to its official operational readiness.

China's first nongovernment-initiated oceangoing medical rescue vessel was launched Zhejiang on Sept 23.

The vessel was jointly initiated by the China NGO Network for International Exchanges and Peaceland Foundation. With a displacement of 5,000 tons, the vessel measures 100.15 meters in length and 18 meters in width. It is equipped with medical cabins and facilities including examination rooms, X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and operating rooms, as well as various rescue equipment and a helicopter platform. The construction cost exceeded 100 million yuan. Wang Ke, chairman of t Peaceland Foundation, described it as a ship full of "imagination".

China's first nongovernment-initiated oceangoing medical rescue vessel was launched Zhejiang on Sept 23.

"The ship is equipped with various medical and rescue devices, along with over 1,000 tons of rescue supplies such as tents. Under normal circumstances, it can carry out public welfare medical activities and provide disaster relief training for local and nearby residents. When major disasters such as earthquakes occur, it can rush to the scene to conduct medical and disaster relief operations. In times of war, it can also support overseas evacuation missions," Wang said.

The design and construction of such an imaginative vessel also posed a test of "imagination".

"How to integrate medical and rescue functions? How to ensure infection prevention between medical and living areas? How to balance the number of people onboard and cargo capacity? These were unprecedented design challenges," Wang said.

"The vessel underwent countless modifications and complete overhauls during its design and construction. Initially, we expected the ship to use 40,000 meters of wiring, but the actual construction required over 80,000 meters. The usage of other pipelines also far exceeded expectations," he said.

Zhejiang Hongsheng Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. was responsible for building the vessel.

Jiang Zhiqing, the project's general manager, also felt the hardships of the process. "Our team held repeated discussions and simulations, striving for perfection in every numerical control cut and every assembly to live up to the great trust placed in us."

After the launch, the vessel will undergo a series of tests and preparations for personnel and equipment. It is expected to set sail in December for its home port, Yangpu Port in Hainan, from where it will begin its global missions.

According to Wang, after completion, the vessel will first sail to Southeast Asia and the South Pacific region, with its second voyage planned for Africa.

"We hope that Chinese non-governmental forces can develop a stronger global response capability. When disasters or humanitarian crises occur anywhere in the world, China can respond and provide assistance. At the same time, we also hope to foster people-to-people bonds in countries along the Belt and Road Initiative," he said.