BEIJING, China’s inaugural ultra-deepwater research drilling vessel, capable of collecting samples at depths exceeding 10,000 metres, is presently under construction and slated for delivery in 2024 by Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Co., Chinese newspaper Global Times reported.
The vessel will primarily engage in major national scientific and technological initiatives, as well as international large-scale scientific programmes pertaining to oceanic scientific drilling operations.
The vessel, with a designed displacement of 42,000 tons, represents a significant breakthrough in the independent design and construction of key equipment for China’s deep-sea exploration. It is capable of operating in “unlimited navigation” areas across global seas.
Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Co, located in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province of South China, is a major construction base for various types of ships including navy vessels, public service vessels, merchant vessels and scientific research ships. It is part of the state-owned China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), which is currently the world’s largest shipbuilder.
Completion of the drilling ship, which is designed to be delivered in 2024, will likely contribute significantly to scientific research and technological exploration in the marine domain, industry observers said.
Breakthroughs have been achieved in more than 10 key technologies, including water dynamics performance optimisation and the layout of operational system modules. It has two major operational modes: oil and gas drilling, and ocean scientific drilling, according to the shipyard.
Moreover, 10 types of cutting-edge scientific devices will be installed on the vessel, enabling the establishment of nine major laboratories covering all areas of marine research. For the first time, there will be world-class paleomagnetics and ultraclean labs aboard the ship.
The director said that the ship will have numerous functions and high-performance capabilities. However, its relatively compact size poses significant challenges and difficulties during the design and construction process.
Source: Emirates News Agency