China’s deep-sea exploration ambitions have received a major boost as its renowned Jiaolong submersible undergoes a transformative upgrade using domestically developed components. The enhancements, initiated in November 2023, aim to expand the vessel’s capacity for high-precision scientific missions in the planet’s most inaccessible depths.
During its first trials in March, the Jiaolong achieved a historic milestone: four consecutive days of 'two-dives-a-day' operations, thanks to a groundbreaking 7,000-meter-class lithium battery system. Senior engineer Zhang Yi of the National Deep Sea Center explained, 'The new battery slashes recharge times from 10 hours to just three, allowing unprecedented operational flexibility.'
Key upgrades also include domestically produced thrusters, replacing imported models, which now propel the submersible 20% faster while increasing thrust power by over 12%. A cutting-edge 4K camera system now captures microscopic details—like the delicate tentacles of deep-sea anemones—revolutionizing ocean-floor research.
Chinese Academy of Engineering academician Li Jiabiao highlighted the strategic significance: 'These advancements in energy systems, thrust capacity, and imaging technology position Jiaolong as a global leader in underwater exploration.' The submersible is scheduled to conduct over 80 dives in 2025, opening new frontiers in marine science and resource mapping.
