The ship was developed by the Phuong Nam Maritime Science and Technology laboratory in Chu Hai, Guangdong. This is the world's first scientific research vessel capable of remotely controlling and automatic navigation in open waters. It will provide an unprecedented tool for China to conduct marine science research and promote marine economic development, according to China Central Television.
The ship's equipment is highly localized, core elements such as the powertrain, the thrust motor, and the operation support system are all developed independently by Chinese scientists.
The ship is 88.5 meters long, 14.0 meters wide, 6.1 meters deep, with a designed watercraft capacity of about 2,000 tons, a maximum speed of 18 knots, and an economic speed of 13 knots.
With a spacious deck, the ship can carry dozens of different observation devices. The ship began construction on July 20, 2021 and is expected to be in use from the end of this year.
Chinese officials said that in the future, the application of ships will be of great significance to changing traditional ocean observation methods, collecting real-time three-way ocean observation data, improving the efficiency and level of ocean observation, while contributing to training, promoting the talent of marine science and technology, and further enhancing the ability to innovate marine science and technology.
