China has made significant strides in deep-sea exploration with the successful trial voyage of its first multifunctional scientific and archaeological ship, Tansuo-3. The vessel returned to a port in Guangzhou, the capital of south China's Guangdong Province, after an eight-day journey.
During the trial trip, Tansuo-3 underwent 30 major tests, including speed measurement, maneuverability, underwater radiation noise assessment, and advanced intelligence systems evaluation. Impressively, all test results met the established standards, with some indicators surpassing the original design goals.
Measuring 104 meters in length and displacing approximately 10,000 tonnes, Tansuo-3 is a testament to China’s capability in designing and building comprehensive scientific research ships. It is equipped for global deep-sea exploration, including operations in polar regions, and can support manned deep diving in icy waters.
The state-of-the-art vessel can accommodate up to 80 individuals and can travel at a maximum speed of 16 knots (around 30 kilometers per hour) with a range of 15,000 nautical miles (about 27,780 kilometers). Its dual-direction icebreaking capabilities make it a versatile asset for various marine research missions.
Tansuo-3 is not only set to advance deep-sea scientific research and archaeological projects but will also facilitate summer explorations in polar marine areas. This enhancement is expected to bolster China’s manned deep-sea capabilities and archaeological operations. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in early 2025.
Reference(s):
China's deep-sea research and archaeological ship completes trial trip
cgtn.com
