The shipbuilding business is one of the key industries in eastern China’s Jiangsu Province. Shipyards have resumed operations despite the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. And one of the world’s largest ships will soon sail the waters of one of China’s most iconic rivers after a trial voyage, thanks to their work.

CGTN reporter Lin Nan shows us.

This is the first Very Large Carrier that eastern province of Jiangsu has seen on the Yangtze River this year. The Ore Carrier is 340 meters long and 62 meters wide. Above water it stands as high as an 18-story building, and its deck is longer than 2 football fields.

LUO YIQIN Section Chief, Jingjiang Marine Department of Jiangsu “The downstream of the Yangtze River is one of busiest routes in the world. There are roughly 1,500 ships that travel it everyday. And such a large carrier will occupy other ships’ operating routes.”

Usually, carriers this large berth in the sea for construction after a trial voyage. However, shipbuilders have to quarantine for 2 weeks before boarding the ship, if they traveled to neighboring Zhejiang Province during the coronavirus outbreak. This would lead to a late delivery. Local authorities have taken measures to ensure the ship can return to the wharf for immediate work to meet the schedule.

LUO YIQIN Section Chief, Jingjiang Marine Department of Jiangsu “This section of the river is very narrow, so we have to control the traffic and arrange patrol vessels to guide the carrier.”

Over 100 shipbuilders have boarded the carrier and started working already. Strict measures have been taken on board to prevent the spreading of the coronavirus. Workers have to quarantine for 2 weeks after finishing their work. The ship is expected to be delivered in early March.