China has taken a significant leap forward in its deep-sea exploration efforts with the introduction of the Meng Xiang, the nation's first domestically designed and built deep-ocean drilling vessel. Entering service in Guangzhou on Sunday, the vessel is capable of reaching unprecedented depths of 11 kilometers.
The Meng Xiang boasts impressive specifications, including a gross tonnage of 33,000 tonnes, a length of 179.8 meters, and a beam of 32.8 meters. Designed for endurance, it can operate continuously for up to 120 days and has a remarkable range of 15,000 nautical miles.
What sets the Meng Xiang apart is its unique ability to perform ultra-deepwater drilling at depths that no other vessel in the world currently can. This capability not only underscores China's growing prowess in marine technology but also opens new avenues for resource exploration and scientific research in the deep ocean.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
