Type 744 Class (Yannan Class) Chinese Buoy Tender

Type 744 buoy tender and its derivatives with the NATO reporting name Yannan (延南) class is a class of Chinese buoy tender that is in service with the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and Chinese civilian governmental establishments. It is a boat or vessel which services and replaces buoys. Type 744 employs design modifications based on the experience with earlier ships. Type 744 is designed by the 708th Institute of China State Shipbuilding Corporation. The 708th Institute is more commonly known as China Shipbuilding and Oceanic Engineering Design Academy. Construction began in December 1979 and four were completed, with the last ship entering service in May 1981. The most obvious external visual difference between Types 744 and 994 is that the former lacks the mast in the bow. Type 744 buoy tenders were not transferred from military to civilian authorities, and remained in PLAN service. The ship received NATO reporting name as Yannan (延南) class.