China's first smart marine research vessel completes trial voyage

(ECNS) -- Tongji, China's first marine intelligent scientific research vessel, has successfully completed an eight-day trial voyage, according to Shanghai Tongji University on Friday.

About 150 people and three testing ships participated in the test run, which covered more than 100 items, including overall performance, onboard living environment, underwater radiated noise, intelligent navigation, and remote-control systems, with all meeting the required standards.

With a length of 82 meters, a width of 15 meters, and a displacement of around 2,800 metric tons, the vessel has a maximum speed of 16 knots, and can sail as far as about 8,000 nautical miles on a single voyage. It can accommodate 45 personnel. Equipped with a domestically developed full-rotating electric propulsion system, Tongji is capable for operation in unrestricted waters (excluding ice-covered regions) and all-weather conditions.

The Tongji vessel is equipped with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and multiple portable, containerized laboratories. It integrates a wide range of scientific research functions, including marine geology, marine chemistry, marine biology, physical oceanography, seabed equipment deployment and recovery, and engineering geology.

The vessel boasts a 460-square-meter deck, a 320-square-meter laboratory area, and over 100 square meters of space dedicated to conference rooms, a lecture hall, leisure areas, and fitness facilities.

Built in April 2024, the vessel will be used for scientific exploration voyages of Tongji University's marine discipline and other units, as well as maritime internships, providing solid support for the cultivation of marine-related professionals

It is expected to conduct its first month-long expedition in August 2025 to the South China Sea.

(By Li Yan)