Nansha to build China's largest scientific research vessel

Guangzhou Shipyard International signs a purchase contract with Guangdong Institute of Intelligent Unmanned System in Nansha district on March 20. [Photo by Zhao Yunpeng/gznsnews.com.cn]

Guangzhou Shipyard International, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited, signed a purchase contract with Guangdong Institute of Intelligent Unmanned System in Guangzhou's Nansha district on March 20, for an integrated marine scientific research vessel.

The scientific research vessel, with a maximum operating displacement of more than 10,000 metric tons, is expected to have the largest displacement and the best performance of any such vessel in China. 

The vessel has a total length of 117.2 meters and a designated displacement of 7,920 tons. It will be fully powered by electricity and its cab will offer 360-degree views.

It has comprehensive capabilities in terms of carrying out marine scientific research. It is equipped with various kinds of detection equipment and supporting facilities such as multibeam echo sounders. It will also reserve spaces and connections for other scientific research equipment which may be used in future. 

Guangdong Institute of Intelligent Unmanned System was jointly built by the Shenyang Institute of Automation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Guangzhou municipal people's government and the administrative committee of Nansha Development Zone. It has devoted great efforts towards promoting the development of high-end marine equipment and technologies, boosted the integrated development of technologies and applications, and strived to become a global leading research institute on intelligent unmanned systems.