Taiwan Coast Guard Receives First 4,000-ton Patrol Vessel

The Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA) received a 4000-ton class Chiayi-class patrol vessel, its largest ship till date, on Thursday.

While the coast guard took delivery of Chiayi (CG5001), another vessel of the same class Hsinchu (CG5002), was launched.

“In Kaohsiung today to witness the delivery of the Chiayi & the launch of the Hsinchu, two new 4000-ton Coast Guard patrol vessels. These ships mark a big step forward for Taiwan's shipbuilding industry & show our determination to secure our waters,” President Tsai Ing-wen tweeted.

As per Taiwanese media reports, the vessels of this class are capable of withstanding Class 10 winds and has an endurance of more than 10,000 nautical miles.

The basic design of Chiayi-class is based on U.S. Coast Guards’ Legend-class cutter. Chiayi-class has 2.75-inch rockets as the main weapon, 20mm guns, remote weapons stations, and water cannons for maritime law enforcement use. It also has some space for installing anti-ship missiles when it is needed during wartime.

The vessel has a helipad and a hangar which are capable for operating and accommodating Taiwan’s Navy and National Airborne Service Corps’ UH-60, S-70C and other helicopters. The capability to operate helicopters is considered with the defense of the Pratas and Spratly Islands in mind.

Chiayi-class is also equipped with field hospital standard medical equipment and a negative pressure chamber, which enables the ship to conduct international humanitarian relief missions.