The first-ever 10,000 tonne hospital ship set sail on October 23, 2008. Vessel 886, scheduled to serve with the East China Sea Fleet, was designed and manufactured by Chinese scientists and engineers. Differing from its multi-functional counterparts in America, Britain and Canada, the ship has been specially designed for ocean-borne medical treatment.

Equipped with the most advanced of facilities, in addition to shock absorbers and noise reducers, the ship will provide primary treatment in a peaceful medical environment to service personnel injured at sea. It can also serve troops stationed on islands and conduct medical rescue training.

Hospital ship 886 at sea.