Foochow Arsenal


The Foochow Arsenal, also known as the Fuzhou or Mawei Arsenal, was one of several shipyards in Qing China as part of the Self-Strengthening Movement. The shipyard was constructed under orders from Li Hongzhang and Zuo Zongtang and was situated in Mamoi, a port town within the jurisdiction of Fuzhou, which is several miles up the Min River.

History

Planning for the shipyard, the Fuzhou Naval College and other facilities began in 1866. Construction began in 1867. Two French Naval officers, Prosper Giquel and Paul d'Aiguebelle, both on leave from the French Imperial Navy, were contracted to recruit a staff of about forty European engineers and mechanics, and to oversee the construction of a metal-working forge, the creation of a Western-style naval dockyard, the construction of eleven transports and five gunboats, and the establishment of schools for training in navigation and marine engineering—all within a five-year period. Chinese authorities provided the materials and labour; The number of labourers rose from an initial figure of 1600 to more than 2000 by 1872. the operating cost over the five years was estimated at 3 million taels, and the cost of maintenance of the ships produced was partly funded by revenue from duties on the import of opium. The first ship produced at the Arsenal, the 150-horsepower Qing Forever was launched in June 1869.
The shipyard was severely damaged by French forces in 1884 during the Sino-French War of 1883-1885, in the battle of Fuzhou. A modern shipyard was later rebuilt on the site.

List of people associated with the Foochow Arsenal