GUANGZHOU: The Meng Xiang, China’s first domestically designed and built deep-ocean drilling vessel, has officially been commissioned in the southern Chinese metropolis of Guangzhou. This milestone event marks a significant stride in the field of oceanic exploration, as the vessel boasts a maximum drilling depth of 11 kilometers, allowing it to venture into areas of the ocean previously unexplored by humanity.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the Meng Xiang is China’s largest scientific research vessel, measuring 179.8 meters in length and 32.8 meters in width, with a displacement of 42,600 tonnes. It has an impressive range of 15,000 nautical miles and can support missions lasting up to 120 days, accommodating a crew of 180 people. Xu Zhenqiang, director of Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey under China Geological Survey, highlighted the vessel’s significance in providing global scientists with valuable deep-earth core samples. These samples will aid in the study of plate tectonics, oceanic crust evolutio
n, ancient marine climates, and the evolution of life, ultimately contributing to a better understanding of the oceans.
The Meng Xiang is the first vessel globally to integrate multiple functions, including deep-ocean scientific drilling, oil and gas exploration, and natural gas hydrate investigation and trial extraction. After undergoing two rounds of sea trials, its performance indicators surpassed design expectations, as reported by Zhang Haibin, the vessel’s chief designer. It is equipped with a hydraulic lifting rig capable of both oil and gas exploration and core sampling, with a top drive lifting capacity of 907 tonnes. Additionally, it supports four drilling modes and three coring methods to meet various operational needs.
The vessel features nine advanced laboratories dedicated to geology, geochemistry, microbiology, ocean science, and drilling technology. It also includes the world’s first automated shipborne core sample storage system, enhancing its capability to support marine research. Built to
meet safety standards for super typhoons, the vessel can operate in rough sea conditions and is equipped for global missions in unrestricted waters.
Traditionally, human activities and scientific exploration have been limited to the Earth’s crust, which averages 15 kilometers in thickness. The Meng Xiang’s commission represents a significant advancement toward reaching or even breaking through the boundary between the Earth’s crust and mantle, known as the Mohorovicic discontinuity, or Moho.