A ship set sail Monday from Hainan Island for the city of Sansha on its maiden voyage to supply islands in the South China Sea.

Sansha I is the largest and most advanced vessel yet to supply and commute between Hainan Island and islets in the South China Sea.

At an inaugural ceremony held at the ship's home port in Wenchang City, Sansha Mayor Xiao Jie said the new vessel will expand the city's administration in the South China Sea and underpin China's efforts to defend its "blue territory" and safeguard its interests in the sea.