​China's largest deep-water wharf begins operation in Nansha

Chinese research ship, Haiyang Dizhi 2, berths at Nansha's deep-water wharf for scientific research. [Photo/WeChat account: nanshafabu]

China's first and largest deep-water wharf began operation on Dec 18. The wharf is specialized for scientific research and marks the improvement in the security capacity of China's deep-sea exploration base.

Located in the northeast of Nansha's Longxue Island, construction of the wharf began in October 2020, and its main structures passed inspection in November 2022.

It features an area of about 300 mu (20 hectares) and a shoreline of 1,000 meters. It has five berths for scientific research ships and a supporting area of about 12,000 square meters.

The wharf connects with Guangzhou Port's main channel through a branch channel, and is equipped with functions including ship docking, preparation, supply, command, dispatch, maintenance and repair.

It meets the global standards regarding water and electricity for research ship docking, and has a high-level flood prevention capacity. This wharf is an important support facility for China to carry out oceanic research and deep-sea science and technology innovation.