China launches latest marine research vessel

APD NEWS

text

China launched its latest comprehensive marine research vessel, the Dong Fang Hong 3, at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai on Tuesday.

With an overall length of 103.8 meters and width of 18m, the vessel can navigate a continuous sailing distance of 15,000 nautical miles (27,780 kilometers).

The Dong Fang Hong 3, a cooperative project between No. 708 Research Institute of China State Shipbuilding Co. (CSSC) and Ocean University of China, is equipped with the most comprehensive scientific expedition functions.

Dong Fang Hong 3, China's latest marine research vessel.

“For a comprehensive research vessel, its major task focuses on scientific expedition, and for China, observation is now the main target of scientific expedition,” said No. 708 Research Institute's Wu Gang, the chief designer of the vessel.

It carries advanced systems of detection and experiment analysis and can conduct large-scope, multidisciplinary and multiple-marine-element observation, as well as atmospheric, water body and undersea sampling and detection.

The research vessel is also a base for cultivating high-level marine talents and a platform that integrates science, education and innovation, said Zhao Jun, the chief engineer of the vessel from Ocean University of China.

Once put into service, Dong Fang Hong 3, together with three other existing vessels of Ocean University of China, will form the only university expedition fleet in the country that is capable of conducting comprehensive scientific research in near-shore, off-shore and deep sea areas.

(CGTN)