China has marked a significant milestone in maritime technology with the commissioning of the Meng Xiang, its first domestically designed and built deep-ocean drilling vessel. Officially entering service in the southern metropolis of Guangzhou on November 17, the vessel boasts unprecedented capabilities that promise to enhance the nation’s deep-sea exploration and research efforts.
The Meng Xiang stands as China’s largest scientific research vessel, measuring 179.8 meters in length and 32.8 meters in width. With a displacement of 42,600 tonnes, it is equipped to handle the most demanding deep-sea missions. The vessel’s advanced drilling system can reach depths of up to 11 kilometers, positioning China at the forefront of deep-ocean drilling technology.
Designed for extended voyages, the Meng Xiang has a remarkable range of 15,000 nautical miles and can sustain operations for up to 120 days without resupply. It accommodates a crew and research team of up to 180 people, providing extensive facilities for scientific endeavors in the open ocean.
The commissioning of the Meng Xiang represents a significant advancement in China’s maritime capabilities, enabling extensive exploration of deep-sea resources and geological formations. This development is set to contribute to global scientific knowledge and may open new avenues for international collaboration in oceanographic research.
As China continues to invest in maritime technology, the Meng Xiang underscores the nation’s commitment to exploring the uncharted depths of the oceans. The vessel’s capabilities not only enhance China’s scientific research capacity but also hold the potential for significant contributions to the understanding of our planet’s last frontiers.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
