New warship a milestone in domestic naval shipbuilding: named after Taiwan’s tallest mountain

President Tsai Ing-wen presided over the naming ceremony and launch of the navy’s first amphibious dock transport ship today, saying that the ship marks a milestone in domestic naval shipbuilding.

The “Yushan,” named after Taiwan’s tallest mountain, Mt Jade, symbolizes the spirit of the national military who are not afraid of challenges, the president said.

Built by Taiwan International Shipbuilding (CSBC Corporation TWSE: 2208 ), the 10,600-tonne No.1401, ROCN Yushan is designed to meet operational requirements for amphibious assault, and personnel and material transport, as well as disaster relief and humanitarian aid missions, with the capability to operate as a mobile field hospital, Navy Command Headquarters said.

The 153-meter-long, 23-meter-wide vessel can support a marine battalion of 673 soldiers with helicopters, amphibious assault vehicles, landing craft, and utility vehicles.

The Yushan will be armed with an OTO Melera 76 mm gun, air-defense missile systems, Phalanx close-in weapon systems, and electromagnetic pulse protection.

Once the weapons systems are fitted, the ship will be delivered to the navy in 2022.

Feature picture: Taiwan International Shipbuilding (CSBC corp.)

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