Revolutionizing Oceanic and Polar Exploration

BEIJING, Dec. 30, 2024 – In a milestone for marine science, China has officially commissioned the Tansuo 3, a state-of-the-art deep-sea research vessel, to bolster its oceanic and polar survey capabilities. Built with advanced technology and unparalleled precision, the Tansuo 3 is set to lead groundbreaking explorations of the world’s oceans and polar regions.

A Technological Marvel

Jointly designed by the Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering (a subsidiary of the Chinese Academy of Sciences), China State Shipbuilding Corp’s Guangzhou Shipyard International Co, and other research entities, Tansuo 3 epitomizes innovation. The vessel:

• Measures 104 meters in length with a displacement of 10,000 metric tons.
• Reaches a maximum speed of 16 knots (29.6 km/h) and can cover up to 27,800 kilometers in a single voyage.
• Operates with a team of 80 sailors and scientists, ensuring seamless operations for extended missions.

Equipped with world-class scientific instruments, the ship boasts advanced deep-sea sonar, release systems for submersibles, and comprehensive survey capabilities for oceanic elements such as seabed geography and water characteristics. Its bidirectional icebreaking capability allows it to traverse polar regions during summer months.

From Construction to Commissioning

The journey of Tansuo 3 began in June 2023, with construction led by a collaboration of over 100 domestic institutions, universities, and enterprises. By April 2024, its main body was completed, followed by an intensive eight-day trial voyage in October, which validated its advanced systems. The ship returned to the shipyard for final equipment installations and adjustments before its formal commissioning.

Researchers and engineers made significant technological breakthroughs throughout the project, further strengthening China’s capabilities in deep-sea exploration.

Unlocking New Frontiers in Science

The deployment of Tansuo 3 is expected to:

• Enhance deep-sea ecosystem research, providing insights into marine biodiversity and geology.
• Expand polar exploration, supporting global efforts to understand the impacts of climate change.
• Facilitate cultural relic excavations from the ocean floor, revealing hidden treasures of history.

Advancing China’s Marine Research Fleet

Before Tansuo 3, China operated three research icebreakers – Xuelong, Xuelong 2, and Jidi – under the Ministry of Natural Resources. Tansuo 3 joins this elite fleet with capabilities that set it apart, marking a new era in marine research.