Chinese Fishermen Raise $18M To Fund Research Vessel For Global Expeditions

Image Credits: Tenglong Shipbuilding
The construction of China’s first privately funded oceangoing research vessel has officially begun in Wenling, Zhejiang.

Fishermen from various towns in the region raised around 130 million yuan ($18 million) to finance the 3,500-ton vessel, which will be used for deep-sea scientific research, offshore energy operations, and seabed exploration.

This vessel, designed for global unlimited navigation, is the first privately owned ocean research ship in China. It is being built by Zhejiang Tenglong Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., which specialises in bulk carriers, dredgers, and distant-water fishing vessels.

Once completed, it will be operated by Quanzhou-based Fujian Baozhou Shipping Co., Ltd.

The ship, designed by Fujian Fuchuan Marine Engineering Technology Research Institute, measures 82 meters in length, 15.2 meters in width, and 6.8 meters in depth, with a designed draft of 4.0 meters.

It has a full load displacement of 3,500 tons and can operate for 60 days at sea with a cruising range of over 5,000 nautical miles. It features a long forecastle, reverse wave-piercing bow and a square stern for improved stability.

The vessel includes an open operation deck at the stern and a concealed working area in the middle, designed to accommodate multidisciplinary scientific equipment for research in marine resources, seabed mapping, geophysical and chemical studies, and marine biology.

The ship’s DP2 diesel-electric propulsion system enables it to maintain position with an accuracy of one meter, making it suitable for remote-operated vehicle (ROV) deployment, seabed surveys, and offshore infrastructure work. It will also support offshore wind farms, oil field operations, and seabed engineering projects.

A senior designer from Fujian Fuchuan Marine Engineering Technology Research Institute explained that the ship’s deep-water equipment, power system, and dynamic positioning (DP) technology are all at internationally advanced levels.

Local fishermen, who funded the project, view the vessel as an opportunity to enhance China’s maritime research capabilities.

The ship’s construction is expected to take about 12 months. The hull will be completed in 8 to 10 months, followed by 2 to 3 months of outfitting and sea trials before it enters service.

Once operational, the vessel will support scientific research, offshore energy operations, and talent development in marine technology. Its role will extend to geological and geophysical surveys, deep-sea exploration, and marine conservation projects.

Zhejiang Tenglong Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. was formerly known as Zhejiang Tenglong Shipyard, located in Songmen Town, Wenling City. The facility spans 170 acres and has a 450-meter-long coastline. It features 12 gantry cranes (including three 200-ton cranes) and three 40,000-ton slipways.

Tenglong Shipbuilding is known for producing 5,000 to 35,000-ton bulk carriers, engineering vessels, deck barges, asphalt carriers, LPG transport ships, and ocean-going tuna ships. It was also responsible for building China’s first liquid sulfur carrier and has an annual shipbuilding capacity of 100,000 tons.

Reference: imarine

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