China Shipbuilding aiming to get new contract from navy

State-owned China Shipbuilding Corp is soliciting the chance to build a new-generation fast attack boat -- the Kuang Hua No. 6 -- for the navy.

The ship, designed by navy, was one of the focuses of the Han Kuang No. 19 exercise, the largest-ever wargame in recent years, held the previous day.

China Shipbuilding officials said that they are working with other ship builders to land the contract from the navy, which wants 29 more of the vessels.

If the deal goes through, it will be worth around NT$10 billion (US$292.39 million) and will give a much-needed shot in the arm to the cash-strapped company, the officials said.

The navy hopes the new boats, together with four soon-to-be purchased Kidd-class destroyers from the US and the other vessels currently in service, including Chengkung-class frigates that are similar to the US Perry-class ships, Kangting-class frigates (Lafayette frigates), Chiyang-class frigates (Knox-class ships) and Chinchiang-class frigates designed by the navy, will form a formidable fleet.

The Kuang Hua No. 6 is expected to replace the much older Seagull-class missile fast boat.