The most advanced IACS Classed Diving Support Vessel ever built in China has been launched. A five year bareboat charter has already been signed for The ‘Southern Star’, a 112 Metre, DP3, Saturation / Air Dive and ROV support vessel which will come into service early next year. The ship, which features two moon pools and has a 300 metre rated, 15 man saturation diving system, was the first vessel to leave the new dry dock facility at the ‘Culu Island’ Fujian Mawei Shipyard facility, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary, in Fuzhou, China. The ‘Southern Star’ has a 150 tonne, active heave compensated crane, two self-propelled hyperbaric lifeboats and has been built to comply with Australian accommodation standards. Its ROV hangar can house two deep-water, construction class vehicles and the vessel's propulsion system is supplied by VOITH and Rolls Royce. Fujian Mawei Shipyard Chairman Zhang Zhitong with John Giddens, CEO Tasik Subsea at the launch of the 'Southern Star' The managing director of TASIK SUBSEA, John Giddens, told the crowd at the launch ceremony: 'At the outset we decided to build a technically advanced, cost effective vessel whilst working closely with the charterer from the start. 'Those decisions have been vindicated by the economic challenges that face our industry today as a result of low oil prices and the general slowdown in the marine industry. 'I am pleased to say that the Fujian Mawei Shipbuilders world-class facility here in Fuzhou has produced a vessel that is on schedule and ahead of budget.' In reply the head of the yard, Chairman Zhang Zhitong, said that the ‘Southern Star’ was a new class of vessel for Mawei Shipyard and was an exciting development for its future.