Chinese supertanker set for maiden voyage to Mid-East

• Source: Global Times
• [08:14 January 12 2010]
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By Zou Le

China's largest and the most advanced crude oil tanker, Xin Buyang, will embark on its maiden voyage from Guangzhou Zhongchuan Longxue Shipbuilding Base later this month en route to the Middle East, Guangzhou Daily reported.

The 308,000-ton super large tanker, which is independently designed and built by a Chinese company, is believed to have the world's largest tonnage with a water displacement of 350,000 tons. The deck stretches 333 meters long.

Captain Feng Wanyuan told the newspaper that the pilotless tanker is equipped with an automatic navigation system that can spare crew members from the navigation bridge and sail on automatic pilot for 24 hours in the worst weather.

"Xin Buyang is by far the most advanced super-large oil tanker with a high level of automation and reliability in performance, featuring independent technology in design and construction," Feng said.

In response to the growing threat of Somali pirates attacking oil tankers, the tanker is equipped with high-pressure water cannons to fend off marauding attackers. Feng said the oil tanker will pass through the Gulf of Aden on its maiden voyage to the Middle East.

The tanker has installed an alarm system that will immediately send nautical information on the ships' location to offshore operators within 35 seconds of an emergency.