The Bo Sea Pearl class are a series of four roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ships designed for military/civilian dual use built in the People's Republic of China (PRC) for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN).[1][2] In peace time, these ships operates as ROPAX for civilian service, and when activated in national emergencies, these ship would act as RoRo ships for PLAN.[1][2] In their civilian ROPAX role, these ships are designed to carry more than two thousand passengers.[2] Building ships to military requirement cost more than ¥ 60 million in comparison to the less stringent civilian requirement, but this was nonetheless achieved among some opposition.[1] As a result, not only can the three level vehicle decks with clearance of 4.85 meters (15.9 ft) of these ships carry over three hundred vehicles, but they can also handle large equipment or a vehicle that is over 50 meters (160 ft) long, 8 meters (26 ft) wide, and weighs 120 tons. These ships are also equipped with helicopter deck.[2] Specification:[2]
- Length: 178.8 m (586 ft 7 in)
- Beam: 28 m (91 ft 10 in)
- Tonnage: 35,000 GT
- Speed: 18.5 knots (34.3 km/h; 21.3 mph)
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Operators |  People's Liberation Army Navy |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Roll-on/roll-off ships |
| Displacement | 35,000 long tons (36,000 t) |
| Length | 178.8 m (586 ft 7 in) |
| Beam | 28 m (91 ft 10 in) |
| Propulsion | marine diesel |
| Speed | 18.5 knots (34.3 km/h; 21.3 mph) |
| Aviation facilities | helicopter deck |
| Name (English) | Name (Han 中文) | Tonnage | Commissioned | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bo Sea Emerald Pearl | 渤海翠珠 | 36,000 gross ton | August 8, 2012 | Active |
| Bo Sea Crystal Pearl | 渤海晶珠 | 36,000 gross ton | October 10, 2012 | Active |
| Bo Sea Diamond Pearl | 渤海钻珠 | 36,000 gross ton | February 2015 | Active |
| Bo Sea Agat Pearl | 渤海玛珠 | 36,000 gross ton | March 2015 | Active |