Wochi-class (Type 082)
Summary
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 China |
| Category | Mine warfare |
| Subtype | Mine countermeasures vessel |
| Manufacturer | Jiangxin Shipbuilding Factory |
| Year commissioned | 1987 |
| Units |
705 Zhangjiagang 706 Jingjiang 732 Renhuai 742 Taishan 743 Changshu 744 Heshan 831 ? 839 Liuyang 840 Luxi 841 Xiaoyi 845 Qingzhou 846 Yucheng 848 Xuanwei 849 Wudi |
Operators
Technical specifications
| Displacement | 314 tons |
| Range | 500 km at 15 knots |
| Crew | 40 members |
| Width | 6.8 m (22.3 ft) |
| Length | 44.8 m (147.0 ft) |
| Propulsion | 2-4 × diesel engines, 2,000-4,400 hp; 2-4 shafts |
| Armament |
|
| Maximum speed | 25 knots |
Description
The Wochi class (Type 082, NATO reporting name Wochi) is a series of mine countermeasures vessels built by the Jiangxin Shipbuilding Factory in Jiangxi province for the People's Liberation Army Navy. Introduced in 1987, the class was produced in significant numbers and forms the numerical backbone of China's mine warfare fleet alongside the larger Type 081 (Wozang) class.
At just 314 tons displacement and 44.8 meters in length, the Wochi class is a compact coastal design powered by 2 to 4 diesel engines providing a relatively high speed of 25 knots — unusual for mine warfare vessels, which typically prioritize low-speed precision over sprint capability. This speed may reflect a dual-purpose coastal patrol and mine countermeasures role. Range is limited to approximately 500-900 nautical miles depending on variant, suitable for operations in China's coastal and littoral waters.
The Type 082 has been gradually complemented by newer designs including the Type 081 Wozang class (996 tons, 65 meters) and newer drone-equipped mine countermeasures platforms. However, many Wochi-class ships remain in active service across China's three fleets — the North Sea, East Sea, and South Sea Fleets.