China delivered a new-type offshore patrol ship to Nigeria on Thursday, the first such vessel handed over from China to the African country

The patrol ship was designed and manufactured by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC), and was delivered to Nigeria in Qidong City, east China's Jiangsu Province.

With a length of 95.5 meters, width of 12.2 meters and displacement of 1,800 tonnes, it will become the largest and most advanced in-service naval vessel in Nigeria, said the CSIC.

The customized patrol ship will be used for maritime patrol and monitoring, safeguarding oilfields and fishing activities, rescue, among others.

The ship has a maximum cruising speed of 22.48 knots, or 41 kilometers per hour, and performed well in various firing tests.

This vessel is similar to ships manufactured by developed countries, with its price 25 percent to 35 percent lower. The price represents huge market potential in Africa, Southeast Asia and South America, said the CSIC.