On Thursday, Taiwan’s Coast Guard launched its newest 1,000-ton patrol cutter, the Lienchiang, from Magong Port in Penghu County. This marks a significant addition to the Coast Guard’s fleet, enhancing its ability to protect Taiwan’s waters and maintain maritime security around the offshore islands.
A Milestone for Taiwan’s Maritime Security
The maiden voyage of the Lienchiang was celebrated with a ceremony at Magong Port, attended by Coast Guard Administration (CGA) Fleet Branch Deputy Head Yang Chao-ching (楊朝卿) and other dignitaries. This new patrol cutter is tasked with ensuring the security of Taiwan-controlled waters by patrolling the regions north and south of Penghu, expelling unauthorized Chinese fishing vessels, and monitoring Chinese coast guard ships that enter Taiwan’s exclusive economic zones.
The Lienchiang is the third vessel in Taiwan’s ongoing initiative to build a fleet of 141 locally-made patrol cutters. The 1,000-ton vessel boasts impressive size and capabilities, far surpassing the CGA’s smaller sister ship of the same name, which weighs just 500 tons.
Key Features of the Lienchiang Patrol Cutter
The new cutter is a powerful addition to Taiwan’s Coast Guard with several advanced features, including:
- Size & Specifications: The Lienchiang is 98.5 meters long, with a width of 13.2 meters, making it significantly larger than the previous 500-ton version.
- Armament & Equipment: It is equipped with the Zhenhai Rocket System, featuring six rocket pods that hold seven 2.75-inch rockets each. The cutter also has a 20mm automatic gun mounted on a remote-controlled naval turret, as well as water cannons capable of reaching up to 120 meters.
- Helicopter Deck & Patrol Boats: A helicopter deck enhances its operational capacity, and it carries two fast patrol boats, each with a peak speed of 36 knots.
- Speed & Range: With a maximum speed of 24 knots, the Lienchiang has an operational range of 6,000 nautical miles (11,100 kilometers), making it a formidable asset in Taiwan’s maritime defense.
Joining the Fleet at Penghu
The Lienchiang will be stationed with other key vessels in the CGA’s Penghu flotilla, which includes the 1,000-ton Pingtung patrol cutter and ten other ships of various sizes and types. Penghu Magistrate Chen Kuang-fu (陳光復) was also present at the ceremony and inspected the new vessel’s armaments and equipment.
Table: Key Specifications of the Lienchiang Patrol Cutter
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1,000 tons |
| Length | 98.5 meters |
| Width | 13.2 meters |
| Maximum Speed | 24 knots |
| Range | 6,000 nautical miles (11,100 km) |
| Armament | Zhenhai Rocket System, 20mm Gun, Water Cannons |
| Patrol Boats | 2 boats, 36 knots max speed |
| Helicopter Deck | Yes |
FAQs About Taiwan’s New 1,000-Ton Coast Guard Cutter
1. What is the primary purpose of the Lienchiang patrol cutter?
The Lienchiang is designed to secure Taiwan’s waters by patrolling around Penghu, expelling unauthorized fishing vessels, and monitoring Chinese coast guard ships that enter Taiwan-controlled waters.
2. How does the Lienchiang compare to other Coast Guard vessels?
The Lienchiang is significantly larger than its 500-ton sister ship, offering advanced features like a rocket system, automatic guns, and a helicopter deck, making it one of Taiwan’s most formidable patrol cutters.
3. What is the operational range and speed of the Lienchiang?
The Lienchiang has a maximum speed of 24 knots and can travel 6,000 nautical miles (approximately 11,100 km) without refueling, allowing it to operate over long distances.
4. How does the Lienchiang contribute to Taiwan’s national security?
The cutter strengthens Taiwan’s maritime defense capabilities, enabling more effective monitoring of Taiwan’s exclusive economic zones and providing a deterrent against potential intrusions.
5. What other vessels will the Lienchiang be working with?
The Lienchiang will join other significant patrol ships at the CGA’s Penghu flotilla, including the 1,000-ton Pingtung and several smaller vessels.
