New Yangzi 451, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Group's newly built 15,000 TEU container ship, conducted its maiden trial voyage on the morning of July 12 in East China's Jiangsu province.
A view of the New Yangzi 451 on its trial voyage. [Photo/zhjjwx.jsjjw.cn]
The vessel measures 366 meters in length, 51 meters in width, and has a height that approaches 50 meters above the water surface, which is close to the clearance height of the main navigation bridge of the Yangtze River.
While navigating through the Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River, which has a voyage distance of 115 kilometers and passes through multiple waterways, the ship faces challenges in terms of its width, maneuverability, and the density of vessels in the area. This makes the navigation environment complex.
To ensure the smooth and safe operation of this trial voyage, various maritime units cooperated under the unified coordination of the Jiangsu Maritime Bureau. Measures, such as traffic control in key water areas, were implemented to provide comprehensive protection for the ship.
A total of four high-powered tugs, 21 coast guard vessels, two patrol maintenance vessels, and over 40 maritime law enforcement personnel were mobilized in a relay format.
"This ship's trial voyage passes through multiple cross-river bridges and ferry routes, which creates a complex navigation environment and significant safety risks during the navigation and berthing processes," said Zhu Haijiao, a law enforcement officer from the Jingjiang Maritime Office in Taizhou, Jiangsu province.