A launching ceremony for a semi-submerged ship takes place in Nantong, East China’s Jiangsu province, on Jan 21. [Photo/ntjoy.com]

A new semi-submerged ship with a 60,000 deadweight tons capacity set sail from Nantong in East China’s Jiangsu province, on Jan 21.

The 239.6-meter- long vessel is the third largest semi-submerged ship in the world, boasting a draft capacity of 22.5 m and a sea endurance of 16,000 nautical miles.

It is also equipped with double engines and propellers, the first of its kind worldwide.

The ship was designed by Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding Co, a company co-invested by Xiamen Xiangyu Co, Nantong Tongbao Shipping Co and China Ocean Industry Group.

The shipbuilding industry in Nantong saw a steady growth last year. A total of 64 ships were built, with accumulated carrying capacity reaching 2.77 million tons.