Hainan's city of Sanya tests new deep-sea research vessel

Haikou /China/, May 7. /TASS/. The city of Sanya on the southern coast of Hainan Island tested a new research vessel, Bei Diao 996, designed for deep-sea research. The Sanya Daily newspaper reported that the vessel successfully completed all its tasks during its five-day voyage.

According to the newspaper, the ship proved to be sufficiently reliable and can remain at sea even during large waves. It allowed the team to work on schedule and test the scientific equipment used during oceanic expeditions.

The 6,700-ton Bei Diao 996 belongs to China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation's Research and Development Center and was built for priority national projects involving the Yazhouwan Science City in Sanya. It is China's largest experimental double-hulled vessel with a small operating waterline area, reaching 100 meters in length. It is equipped with advanced equipment and has an area for drones.

As reported by Yazhouwan management, the tests are of great significance and mean that China has the necessary equipment to explore the South China Sea and to test new technologies in deep-sea exploration. The Bei Diao 996 is expected to make a major contribution to important scientific programs.