According to WPB, China has introduced a new milestone in its maritime scientific capabilities by commissioning its first intelligent deep-sea research vessel, marking a significant technological leap in the country’s oceanographic exploration efforts.
The new vessel, named Tongji, was constructed at the Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard in Guangzhou and is now officially part of China’s expanding fleet of civilian research ships. Following successful sea trials, the ship is now under the operation of Tongji University in Shanghai, and it is poised to become a central hub for scientific investigations in the East China Sea. Its first mission is expected to take place in the South China Sea, lasting approximately one month.
The 2,000-ton ship is equipped with a domestically developed diesel-electric propulsion system and is the first in China to be classified as an Intelligent-ship (I-ship) by the China Classification Society. Among its advanced technological systems are capabilities for remote land-based operation, self-directed navigation in open waters, smart energy optimization, and a unified digital integration platform. These features reflect China’s strategic emphasis on artificial intelligence in national development plans.
Measuring 81.5 meters in length with a draft of 6.9 meters, Tongji can travel at speeds of up to 15 knots and accommodates a crew of 45, including 30 scientific personnel. The vessel also contains 320 square meters of dedicated laboratory space and is capable of supporting complex marine engineering tasks such as cable laying and subsea infrastructure maintenance.
While this advancement reflects China’s growing investment in marine science, the activities of Chinese research vessels have drawn attention internationally. Observers have raised concerns over the potential overlap between civilian exploration and military objectives, particularly as Chinese ships expand operations beyond their exclusive economic zone into strategically sensitive waters like the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. In areas such as the South China Sea, especially within the western Philippine EEZ, Chinese research activity remains under close watch by regional authorities.
By Bitumenmag
Vessel, Technology, Shipping
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