Taiwan begins construction of naval auxiliary rescue and salvage ship

TR_123456 · Mar 15, 2022

Ship outfitted with electric propulsion system and ROV, expected to be completed by 2023

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Construction of a new Navy auxiliary rescue and salvage ship (ARS), commissioned by the Ministry of National Defense, has begun.

A keel-laying ceremony was held in Kaohsiung on Tuesday (March 15), with Navy Commander Liu Chi-pin (劉志斌) and CSBC Corporation Chairman Cheng Wen-long (鄭文隆) attending. Construction of the ship will cost approximately NT$2.96 billion (US$103.59 million) and will be completed by 2023, the Liberty Times reported.

The ship will measure 87 meters in length and have a maximum width of 15.5 meters. It will also have a full-load displacement of 3,250 tons and a full-load speed of 18 knots.

Additionally, the ship will be outfitted with a dynamic positioning system and an electric propulsion system that has variable pitch blades. It will be fitted with a diving operations system and a remotely operated underwater vehicle that can operate at a depth of 500 meters.