China’s first multifunctional 104-meter-long archaeological and scientific research vessel for deep-sea exploration and the excavation of cultural relics was docked on Saturday in Nansha District of Guangzhou, located in south China’s Guangdong Province.
Displaced by almost 10,000 tons, China designed the multifunctional vessel independently.
In summer, it can perform deep-sea scientific investigation, cultural relic excavation, and scientific research in the polar sea areas, with bidirectional ice-breaking capability.
It can also accommodate 80 individuals and travel at a maximum speed of 16 knots for about 15,000 nautical miles.
The vessel’s construction began in June last year, with an investment of approximately 800 million yuan.
Video Credits: CCTV Video News Agency/YouTube
He Guangwei, the deputy chief engineer associated with Guangzhou Shipyard International Company of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, explained that breakthroughs have been made in the application of critical technologies, including the overall design, low-temperature precise compensation, intelligent control, and integrated design of ice zone and heavy payload structures.
Efforts are being made to replace the imported components with domestically produced ones in developing scientific research equipment and expanding its functions to actively explore the application of equipment produced domestically in the polar regions.
The vessel is anticipated to undergo a host of sea trials, besides system and equipment debugging and outfitting of living areas, before its delivery, which is expected at the beginning of next year.
It is predicted to become an open and shared maritime platform for multisystem integration, multidisciplinary intersection and collaborative innovation in China, exemplifying progress in the country’s autonomous control of deep-sea scientific research equipment and ship design for operation in polar regions.
It will enrich China’s manned deep-sea diving abilities in sea areas and enhance deep-sea archaeological capabilities.
Reference: CGTN
China’s First Deep-Sea Multi-Functional Scientific Research Vessel Docks In South China appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide
Source: Maritime Shipping News