Fu Ning: Traditional Chinese sailing ship visits Melaka

History buffs and maritime enthusiasts were treated to a spectacular sight in Melaka as the world’s largest traditional Chinese wooden sailing ship, Fu Ning, docked at the Jetty of Tanjung Bruas Port on May 1st.

The majestic Fu Ning, also known as Funing (福宁), embarked on its voyage from Huangpu in Guangzhou, China, on January 31st.

Fu Ning: A legacy comes alive

For seven days, this impressive vessel, a testament to China’s rich maritime history, graced the waters of Melaka. It served as a powerful symbol of the enduring cultural exchange that thrived along the Maritime Silk Road.

The ship’s journey aimed to retrace the historic voyages of Admiral Cheng Ho, a legendary Chinese explorer who played a significant role in maritime trade during the Ming dynasty.

Fu Ning’s visit to Melaka served to honor Cheng Ho’s legacy, promote traditional Chinese maritime culture, and foster cultural exchange between China and other nations along the Maritime Silk Road.

While public tours onboard Fu Ning weren’t available, those interested in chartering the ship were encouraged to contact local authorities to explore regulations and potential opportunities.

A marvel of traditional craftsmanship

Fu Ning’s construction itself embodies a remarkable aspect of Chinese heritage.

The ship is built using the Fuzhou watertight compartment manufacturing technique, an ancient shipbuilding method originating from Fuzhou in Fujian province.

Recognizing its cultural significance, UNESCO inscribed this technique on its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2010.

The ship’s impressive size further underscores its grandeur.

Measuring 41.6 meters long and 12 meters wide, Fu Ning boasts a main mast towering 29 meters above the deck.

The vessel can accommodate a crew of nine and up to 12 passengers.

Potential for tourism boost for Melaka

Yang Dipertua Negeri of Melaka, Tun Mohd Ali Mohd Rustam, along with other dignitaries, paid a visit to Fu Ning during its stay at Tanjung Bruas port.

This visit highlighted the potential impact the ship could have on tourism in Melaka.

Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said he is inviting the shipowner Lim Cheng Jiu to be part of the celebration to be hosted by the historical city.

“This vessel holds value for the state and for the bilateral ties between China and Melaka as Fu Ning aims to follow Admiral Cheng Ho’s epic voyages along the Maritime Silk Road.

“The state is committed to preserving the legacy of the 15th-century mariner and explorer,” he said to The Star.

Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Rahman, chairman of the State Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture Committee, expressed his desire to explore the possibility of opening the ship for public tours.

He believes such an opportunity would allow visitors to get a closer look at the unique architecture of this traditional vessel and potentially draw more tourists to the state.

Fu Ning’s visit to Melaka not only served as a reminder of the rich maritime history shared between China and Malaysia, but also offered a glimpse into the potential for further cultural and economic exchange between the two nations.

“Fu Ning” will make a second trip to Melaka during the height of the 50th anniversary celebration of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China.