Kaohsiung: Taiwan has launched the 12th and final 600-tonne Anping-class patrol vessel for the Coast Guard Administration (CGA), concluding the fleet's assembly under the government's indigenous shipbuilding initiative. The vessel, CG-615, named "Donggang," was christened at a launch ceremony by the CGA's Fleet Branch.

According to Focus Taiwan, Donggang was selected as the vessel's name because of its significance as a fishing hub in Pingtung County. Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling highlighted the program initiated in 2018 to build 141 coast guard vessels over a decade, amassing a total displacement of 33,220 metric tons. The completion of Donggang symbolizes a significant milestone in Taiwan's shipbuilding efforts.

Kuan noted the increasing challenges in Taiwan's surrounding waters, including "gray-zone" harassment and incursions by Chinese coast guard vessels, necessitating enhanced maritime security measures. Coast guard operations now extend beyond law enforcement to protect Taiwan's sovereignty and maritime security.

According to Kuan, the Donggang is equipped for maritime security patrols, fisheries protection, and rescue missions during peacetime. It can also function as a maritime defense force when required. Pingtung County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi attended the ceremony and performed the traditional bottle-smashing to bless the vessel.

The CGA stated that Anping-class vessels have a catamaran hull design, enabling high-speed and long-duration operations. The vessels measure about 65 meters in length and 14.8 meters in width, with a top speed of 40 knots and a range of approximately 2,000 nautical miles.

The Donggang will join a mobile coast guard unit in eastern Taiwan to bolster patrol capabilities. The CGA mentioned that the delivery of new vessels has improved Taiwan's maritime law enforcement and rescue capabilities, enhancing all-weather operations and emergency responses.