New research vessel for geophysics launched

The exterior view of Shi Yan 6, China's new type of research vessel for geophysics. [Photo/Nanfang Plus]

The new research vessel for geophysics, Shi Yan 6, was launched on July 18 at China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Co Ltd (CSSCHPS), marking a new milestone for China's maritime scientific research development.

The research vessel belongs to the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (SCSIO). The manufacturing of the vessel started in November 2018 and is expected to be put into operation in 2021 after works like decoration and trial sails are completed.

Applying the most advanced design concepts from around the world, the vessel has an overall investment of nearly 520 million yuan ($74.34 million). It has a maximum speed of 16.5 knots and an endurance of 12,000 nautical miles.

The vessel is designed for a fixed number of 60 staff members on board and it can carry out maritime activities for 60 consecutive days with enough supplies, such as fuel oil, fresh water, and food, without replenishment.

"The vessel will fill in the blank space for China's mid-sized research vessels for geophysics, becoming an advanced new marine mobile laboratory and technical test platform for detection equipment," said Zhan Wenhuan, Party secretary of SCSIO.

Cai Xiaoyang, chief engineer of the vessel, said that with the help of various kinds of advanced technologies, the vessel can even be operated by one person.