DALIAN -- China's new-generation training vessel set sail on its maiden voyage Tuesday from the port city of Dalian, Liaoning Province, northeast China, to South Africa.

The 340-million-yuan (50 million US dollars) ocean-going vessel is China's most advanced cruise training ship.

The 199.8-meter ship, "Yupeng," is owned by Dalian Maritime University.

During its maiden voyage, 87 graduating students joined the crew to undergo training. It was also loaded with four locomotives and other equipment produced by China's rolling-stock maker CRRC Corp. Ltd. for customers in South Africa.

Founded in 1909, Dalian Maritime University is one of China's largest maritime universities. The school already owns and operates another ocean-going training vessel, "Yukun," that boasts more than a 10,000 deadweight tonnage.

The new ship, built by COSCO Shipyard, has a carrying load of 30,000 tonnes and can be used for training, scientific research and shipping.