Construction begins on Chinese research vessel fitted with intelligent systems

Construction has begun on a new deep-sea research vessel ordered by Chinese company Qingdao Guoshi Intelligent Equipment Technology.

Named Wenhai No 3, the vessel will be used primarily as an unmanned intelligent equipment working mothership. Secondary duties will include aerial remote sensing surface detection, underwater search, and three-dimensional observation and detection.

The completed vessel will have a displacement of 3,000 tonnes at full load, an LOA of between 80 and 85 metres, a beam of over 15 metres, and scientific research equipment totalling 50 tonnes. The research equipment is optimised for deep-sea observation and exploration, equipment testing, and sampling.

Construction of the vessel is being undertaken jointly by the Chinese Ministry of Transport's Yantai Salvage Bureau and the 701 and 712 Research Institute subsidiaries of the China Shipbuilding Group. The newbuilding contract has a value of approximately CNY179.4 million (US$24.58 million).

The vessel is scheduled to be completed in 2026, or within 16 months from the start of construction.