This photo published on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 shows a command vessel anchored in Wuhan, central China's Hubei province. The vessel will head for Shanghai on Thursday to begin its counter-terrorism mission during the World Expo. [Photo/Wuhan Evening News]

A command vessel is scheduled to head for Shanghai on Thursday to begin its counter-terrorism mission during the upcoming World Expo.

The high-tech vessel was constructed in central China's Wuhan at a cost of 24 million yuan. With a length of 42 metres and a width of 7.6 metres, it can reach a speed of up to 40 kilometres per hour, and has a cruising radius of 540 kilometres.

The advanced onboard communications system enables "seamless connection" between the three-storeyed vessel and the shore-based command centre, Wuhan Evening News says.

In addition, night vision cameras can take clear pictures in the dark and immediately relay files to police on land.