First Look at Taiwan Navy's Da Wu Rescue Ship: Built for Extreme Missions.

According to information published by CNA on January 9, 2025, the Taiwan Navy introduced its domestically-built rescue ship Da Wu, highlighting its advanced maneuverability and underwater rescue capabilities. Designed to tow vessels weighing up to 100,000 tons, the ship features equipment, including a deep-sea operations system with a diving bell and trained underwater rescue personnel. This allows it to execute emergency rescue missions without delay.
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The Taiwan Navy introduces Da Wu, a rescue ship equipped for deep-sea missions and heavy-duty towing. (Picture source: Youth Daily News)

The "Da Wu" made its public debut at the Zuoying Naval Base during the Ministry of National Defense's "2025 Lunar New Year Enhanced Combat Readiness Media Tour." Constructed by CSBC Corporation and delivered to the Navy in October 2024, the ship demonstrated its capabilities, performing an in-place turning maneuver, deploying its deep-sea diving bell, and showcasing its fire-fighting water cannon. The cannon, with a range of 120 meters, can switch between seawater and foam modes, making it effective against oil-based fires and enhancing maritime rescue operations.

The ship measures 87 meters in length and 15.5 meters in width, with a full-load displacement of 3,250 tons. Its maximum speed exceeds 18 knots, supported by an advanced propulsion system that includes bow and stern thrusters as well as a retractable omnidirectional thruster. Equipped with a diving bell, remote-operated vehicles for searches up to 500 meters deep, and a powerful towing winch, the Da Wu is capable of supporting extensive rescue and towing missions.

In peacetime, the ship will support naval vessels in distress and carry out towing missions. During wartime, it will be stationed at naval bases, ready to tow damaged ships back to port for repairs. The ship’s high mobility and exceptional towing capacity mark significant advancements over existing rescue vessels. Unlike its predecessors, the "Da Wu" is equipped with its own diving bell and trained personnel, eliminating the need for time-consuming equipment transfers before conducting rescue missions.

The Taiwanese Navy is also planning the development of a dedicated submarine rescue ship, with submarine rescue capabilities being a key focus of future naval advancements. Following extensive training and testing since its delivery, the Da Wu is expected to officially join the Navy's operational fleet this year.