Coast Guard frigate 'Suao' commissioned

Kaohsiung, Oct. 2 (CNA) The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) on Thursday commissioned the 10th 600-ton class patrol vessel, CG612 "Suao," at a ceremony in Kaohsiung, highlighting the government's commitment to maritime sovereignty.

At the same event, another vessel of the same class, CG613, was officially named "Lanyu" and launched. It will be deployed to the CGA's mobile flotilla in eastern Taiwan to strengthen law enforcement in the region.

According to the CGA, the "Suao" is 65 meters long and 14.8 meters wide, with a maximum speed of 40 knots and a range of 2,000 nautical miles. Equipped with a high-pressure water cannon and patrol boats, it can carry out firefighting, law enforcement, and search and rescue missions. Its low-resistance hull design and improved crew accommodations also enhance performance and living conditions on board.

Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) Minister Kuan Bi-ling (管碧玲), who presided over the ceremony, said the "Suao" was named by Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) in January and has now formally entered service. She added that the "Lanyu" will bolster the Coast Guard's presence in eastern waters in cooperation with local communities.

Kuan also cited the achievements of the Anping-class fleet, including rescuing the crew of a Taiwanese fishing boat that caught fire in international waters between Taiwan and Japan, intercepting smugglers carrying Vietnamese stowaways and marijuana, monitoring Chinese research vessels and supporting military drills such as the Han Kuang exercises.

The CGA said it will continue to expand its fleet and strengthen its capacity in law enforcement, rescue operations, protection of fishing rights, maritime services and marine conservation.