Construction on China’s first multipurpose vessel for scientific exploration and archaeological research on vast oceans began in Guangzhou.
Construction on China’s first multipurpose vessel for scientific exploration and archaeological research on vast oceans began on Sunday in Guangzhou, in the Guangdong Province of south China.
The new research vessel can carry 80 people and travel at a top speed of 16 knots (roughly 30 km/h), covering a distance of 15,000 nautical miles (27,780 kilometres), according to China Media Group. It has a design length of about 103 metres and a displacement of about 9,200 tonnes.
It is a multi-functional ship that is capable of deep sea exploration, manned deep diving, unrestricted water navigation, comprehensive operation support, and heavy safety payloads. In the summer, it is also capable of conducting maritime surveys in the polar regions. Its bow and stern are capable of breaking through ice.
The multi-functional exploration vessel aims to assist researchers and scientists in conducting extensive studies and excavations in the vast expanses of the oceans by fusing cutting-edge technology and specialised equipment.
In addition to providing disciplinary guidance and underwater operation support for deep-sea archaeology, the vessel is expected to provide the necessary samples and environmental data for research on cutting-edge issues related to deep-sea geology, environment, and life sciences.
The ship can also be used for sea trials and the application of deep-sea core technology and equipment.
It will be outfitted with in-house systems that will advance technology in a number of areas, including accurate low-temperature compensation, intelligent control, and ship design as a whole.
To strengthen China’s capabilities in deep sea endeavours, such as manned and unmanned deep diving and archaeological operations, the vessel will be built into an open and shared maritime platform integrating multiple systems and disciplines.
The construction of this multi-functional ship showcases China’s commitment to expanding its presence in scientific expeditions and archaeological exploration on a global scale. Once finished in 2025, it is anticipated to be used at sea.