China State Shipbuilding Corporation
Type 744 employs design modifications based on the experience with earlier ships. Type 744 is designed by the 708th Institute of China State Shipbuilding Corporation. The 708th Institute is more commonly known as China Shipbuilding and Oceanic Engineering Design Academy. Construction began in December 1979 and four were completed, with the last ship entering service in May 1981. The most obvious external visual difference between Types 744 and 994 is that the former lacks the mast in the bow. Type 744 buoy tenders were not transferred from military to civilian authorities, and remained in PLAN service. The ship received NATO reporting name as Yannan (延南) class. Specification: