The first advanced ultradeep ocean drilling vessel independently developed by China was officially named Mengxiang, meaning "dream" in Chinese, on Dec 18. It also started its maiden voyage that same day.
It marked a key step advance in China's capacity in deepsea detection and development and research of marine technology equipment.
Mengxiang, meaning dream in Chinese, the first advanced ultradeep ocean drilling vessel independently developed by China, is officially named on Dec 18 and is ready for its maiden voyage. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Designed and built by China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC), Mengxiang is about 33,000 metric tons with a total length of 179.8 meters and width of 32.8 meters.
With an endurance of 15,000 nautical miles, the vessel is capable of navigation against Grade 16 winds and can drill as deep as 11,000 meters.
It's worth noting that the vessel is equipped with the world's most advanced drilling system and has two drilling modes for oil and gas and ocean scientific research.
It is also installed with a China-developed deepsea riser-less mud recycle (RMR) system, the first in China.
An area of more than 3,000 square meters is reserved on the vessel for labs such as a magnetically shielded room and an ultra-clean lab, which are installed with an onboard automatic core transmission and storage system.
The vessel can realize whole-process supervision and smart scientific experiment coordination thanks to its 20,000 monitoring points and a comprehensive information system suitable for a scientific research vessel.
Last but not least, the vessel is fitted with the latest-generation 30-megawatt closed loop network power station and battery storage technologies, making it economical, reliable and energy-conserving.
Mengxiang is scheduled to be completed in 2024. Once delivered, it is expected to be used in ocean scientific research of major domestic scientific programs and international mega science plans.
(Executive editor: Xie Yunxiao)
