Photo: CCTV

TheMK sport Erhang Changqingpile-driving vessel, which features the world's tallest derrick at the stern with the highest pile-driving capacity, set sail from Nantong in East China's Jiangsu Province to the construction site of the Hangzhou Bay Bridge in East China's Zhejiang Province on Monday. It marks a new milestone in China's hydraulic engineering capabilities, according to a China Media Group report.

Built by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co (ZPMC), the vessel measures 130.5 meters in length, 40.8 meters in width and 8.4 meters in depth. It is equipped with a 150-meter-high derrick, capable of installing pile foundations weighing up to 700 tons and measuring 7 meters in diameter. 

Its main hydraulic cylinder generates 5,000 tons of thrust, setting a global benchmark. The vessel features a high-precision positioning system for deep-sea piling, enabling centimeter-level precision.

The previous record-holder, Yihang Jinzhuang, also constructed by ZPMC, was delivered to China Communications Construction Co (CCCC) First Harbor Engineering Co in 2022, featuring a derrick height of 142 meters, marginally shorter than the Erhang Changqing.

The production of large hydraulic cylinder seals, bearing lubrication pads and corrosion-resistant materials, has traditionally relied on foreign suppliers, which is often costly. 

To address this, the CCCC Second Harbor Bureau collaborated with six top domestic companies and four universities, including Beijing-based Tsinghua University and Shanghai-based Tongji University, to develop domestic alternatives for hydraulic cylinder components.

China is the global leader in the production of large offshore wind turbines, necessitating advanced vessels for the installation of turbine foundations and structures. 

Under the oversight of maritime authorities, the vessel is currently en route to the Suzhou -Jiaxing-Ningbo High-Speed Rail — Hangzhou Bay Cross-Sea Railway Bridge construction site. It will play a critical role in the construction of major infrastructure projects, including large ports, cross-sea bridges and offshore wind farms.

China has made remarkable strides in producing large-scale industrial equipment, positioning itself as a global leader in engineering innovation. The development of advanced vessels like this pile-driving ship, along with the world's largest shield tunneling machine, highlights China's capability to produce cutting-edge technology domestically. 

With continuous investments in research, collaboration with top-tier universities and breakthroughs in core technologies, China is strengthening its position in high-tech sectors such as offshore engineering, bridge construction and renewable energy. These advancements underscore the country's growing self-reliance and leadership in large-scale infrastructure projects.

Global Times