China’s ‘First Ship’ Retired After 32 Years of Service
The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) formally decommissioned the Type 052 guided-missile destroyer Harbin (hull number 112) on August 28, 2026, at a naval port in Qingdao. Known as China’s “First Ship” (中华第一舰), the vessel was the lead ship of China’s second-generation domestically designed and built main warship class, and its retirement marks the end of a storied chapter in Chinese naval history, according to Xinhua.
The decommissioning ceremony took place on the exact 35th anniversary of the ship’s launch at Jiangnan Shipyard in 1991. As the PLAN WeChat official account described, “At the command, the August 1st military flag on the deck mast slowly lowered, and the crew rendered their final salute to Ship 112. This means Ship 112 has gloriously completed its mission and formally exited the PLAN combat sequence,” as reported by Guancha.
A Symbol of Naval Modernization
The Harbin entered active service in May 1994 and represented a watershed moment in Chinese naval development. As the first truly modern multi-role combat vessel built by China, it marked a fundamental departure from the Soviet-designed Type 051 series, featuring a new hull design with integrated superstructure, stealth considerations, and a CODOG propulsion system combining American gas turbines with German diesel engines.
The ship was equipped with naval guns, surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles, and could carry two helicopters, providing comprehensive anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. It was the first Chinese warship to integrate a data bus architecture with the ZKJ-4 tactical combat command system, unifying all ship electronics and weapons.
A Record of Historic Firsts
Over more than three decades of service, the Harbin completed over 100 major combat readiness and training missions and safely sailed more than 400,000 nautical miles. Its service record includes several historic milestones that Lianhe Zaobao highlighted as significant achievements for the PLAN.
In 1997, the ship visited four American countries, achieving the PLAN’s first-ever crossing of the Pacific Ocean and first visit to the American continent. During its 14th escort mission in 2013, crew members were invited to form a marching contingent for the Seychelles National Day parade, creating a precedent for PLAN foot contingents participating in foreign national day parades.
The Harbin visited 20 countries and 22 ports including Russia, the United States, and Australia, conducted 17 joint naval exercises with multiple navies, and hosted senior military officials from over 60 countries. In 2003, the ship was awarded the honorary title of “Sea Vanguard Ship” by the Central Military Commission.
The End of an Era
The retirement of the Harbin reflects the rapid pace of Chinese naval modernization. As Sohu noted, the ship’s lack of a vertical launch system (VLS) and limited area air defense capability made it increasingly outdated compared to newer vessels such as the Type 052D and Type 055 destroyers now entering service.
The ship’s American-made LM2500 gas turbines also proved a limiting factor, as US sanctions imposed after 1989 cut off the supply of spare parts, contributing to the vessel’s eventual retirement. Analysts at Guancha noted that the ship was jokingly called the “Eight-Power Alliance” ship due to its mix of Western technologies.
A New Mission: Defense Education
The Harbin will serve as a national defense education base, docked in Changsha, Hunan Province - the hometown of Xiao Jinguang, the first commander of the PLAN. The ship will be positioned near Orange Isle, where a famous statue of Mao Zedong stands, creating a symbolic connection between the revolutionary leader and China’s naval legacy.
The hull number “112” and the name “Harbin” are expected to be inherited by a new Type 055 large destroyer, continuing the legacy of one of China’s most storied naval vessels. The sister ship, Qingdao (hull number 113), is also reportedly nearing retirement.
What’s Next
As the PLAN continues to expand and modernize its fleet at an accelerating pace, the retirement of the Harbin signals a broader trend of older vessels being replaced by more advanced platforms. The ship’s transition to a defense education role ensures that its legacy will continue to inspire future generations, while the expected reassignment of its hull number and name to a Type 055 destroyer demonstrates the PLAN’s commitment to preserving the heritage of its most significant vessels.