VESSEL REVIEW | Tansuo San – Chinese Academy of Sciences acquires archaeological research ship
China's Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) has handed over a new icebreaking archaeological research ship to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
Tansuo San (探索三号; "Exploration No 3") was built by GSI to be China's first comprehensive scientific research vessel with global deep-sea exploration and ice manned deep-diving support capabilities even in polar areas during the summer. The vessel will be operated by the CAS' Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering (IDSE).
Mothership for small manned and unmanned craft
The vessel has a steel hull, a length of 104 metres (341 feet), a beam of 19.7 metres (64.6 feet), a draught of 6.7 metres (22 feet), a displacement of approximately 10,000 tonnes, a selection of multi-disciplinary research laboratories, and accommodation for 32 crewmembers and up to 48 scientific personnel.
Space is also available for the transport, launch, and recovery of small manned submersibles capable of reaching greater depths. A moonpool measuring six by 4.8 metres (20 by 16 feet) will meanwhile be used for the deployment of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) even in waters with surface ice.
Versatile propulsion setup for open-sea transits and icebreaking
The vessel’s diesel-electric propulsion system, which includes four 3,000kW generators and two ABB 4,500kW azimuthing podded thrusters, delivers a maximum speed of 16 knots in open water and a range of 15,000 nautical miles in addition to enhanced manoeuvrability. To permit navigation in ice areas, the bow and the stern are reinforced for two-way icebreaking at two knots.
Tansuo San completed undergoing sea trials in October. The trials included 30 categories of tests of the vessel's speed, manoeuvrability, and underwater radiated noise. The test results all met or exceeded the original design parameters.
Development of Tansuo San was funded by the Hainan Provincial Government, Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City Development and Construction, and IDSE. The vessel was designed and built in compliance with China Classification Society’s Polar Class 4 requirements to permit year-round operation even in thick first-year ice.
