Digital News

　　On the morning of July 23, at CSSC Chengxi Shipyard Co., Ltd. in Jiangyin City, Jiangsu Province, China’s first deep-sea green intelligent technology experimental vessel was unveiled, adorned with colorful flags and freshly decorated.

　　Around 10 a.m., as the ceremonial covering slipped off the vessel’s hull, the word “Future” was revealed. This experimental vessel that symbolizes the journey to the deep sea and a path toward the future will carry the aspirations of Chinese scientific researchers, riding through the waves and chasing the deep blue.”

　　“This vessel is like a ‘hexagonal warrior,’” said Ye Cong, Director of the CSSC China Ship Scientific Research Center, Executive Director of the Taihu Laboratory of Deepsea Technological Science, and Chief Commander of the “Future” Project. “‘Future’ is not only an experimental vessel for new green intelligent technologies, but also a support vessel for deep-sea equipment applications, commissioning, and testing. It functions as a ‘floating mobile laboratory’ for scientists conducting deep-sea surveys.”

　　“Future” measures 110.8 meters in length and has a full displacement of 7,000 tons. With a maximum speed of over 15 knots, it can carry a crew of 80. The vessel has a range of more than 10,000 nautical miles and an endurance of over 60 days, enabling it to operate in unrestricted waters.

　　“According to the International Maritime Organization’s plan, regulations for maritime autonomous surface ships will be mandatory by 2032. The shipping industry must ramp up its research and development efforts on autonomous ships to meet these new rules,” said Li Lu, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute, as he shared insights on the industry’s development trends during the delivery ceremony.

　　Compared to traditional research or experimental vessels, “Future” offers greater functionality and broader applications, with innovative breakthroughs in modularity and intelligence. “‘Future’ is highly modular, with multiple connections that allow various ship systems and components to be connected like building blocks. This enables them to be tested under actual sea conditions as the vessel sails,” explained Ye Cong. The equipment available for testing ranges from large-scale components like generators, power distribution systems, dynamic positioning systems, intelligent navigation systems, and deep-sea winches, to smaller items such as navigation radars, steering systems, pump sets, and valves, all of which can be easily added or swapped out.

　　Why are there so many connections? Ye Cong explained, “Ship development is moving toward larger hulls, greater intelligence, and more environmentally friendly energy supply methods. Before new marine technologies are industrialized, they must undergo pilot tests and trials. ‘Future’ aims to accelerate the commercialization of scientific research achievements by simultaneously applying and testing new technologies in real-world conditions.”

　　At the rear of “Future,” a towering A-frame crane commands attention. At the top of the crane, a digital readout indicating a 150-ton lifting capacity showcases its impressive power.

　　“As technology advances, we will see more marine equipment such as ‘Jiaolong’ and ‘Fendouzhe.’ ‘Future’ is designed to carry and install submersibles and other marine equipment, aiding in underwater work, surface operations, and seabed exploration,” said Ye Cong.

　　The deck is fitted with a crane, while the hull and compartments house a range of software and hardware facilities designed to support marine equipment trials. Ye Cong explained, “Future” is equipped with a deep-sea equipment offshore testing and operational support system, an underwater acoustic system, a moon pool system, and a multi-disciplinary, multi-functional laboratory. It can deploy, recover, and transport deep-sea equipment, as well as conduct both surface and underwater exploration, communication, and positioning, as well as test command and coordination, meeting the requirements for deep-sea equipment testing and verification, mobile deployment, and operational support.”

　　The dream of humanity to explore the deep sea has inspired generations of scientists to push further into the ocean’s depths. Ye Cong explained that the research facilities on “Future,” including the onboard laboratory and acoustic detection system, enable scientists and engineers to collect environmental data, conduct deep-sea equipment trials, and analyze the collected marine samples and test data. It truly serves as a “floating mobile laboratory.”

　　“Future,” which supports scientific research activities, boasts a unique design and incorporates intelligent operations and maintenance across the entire vessel.

　　Upon entering the cockpit of “Future,” a full wall of display screens shows real-time data from instruments such as the rudder, propulsion motor, and steering system. The vessel’s status and key data are visible at a glance.

　　A member of the “Future” project monitoring team said, “We use intelligent sensors to gather real-time data from the vessel’s components, equipment, and systems, and then evaluate the data to provide a foundation for the research team’s technological advancements.”

　　Additionally, “Future” is equipped with self-developed intelligent information system MarineNet and a dynamic testing system. These systems enable the collection, storage, processing, management, and utilization of data throughout the vessel, while ensuring seamless data exchange between the vessel and shore. This provides the industry with an open and shared digital testing platform.

　　“‘Future’ will clear the path for the transition of marine equipment technology from research outcomes to industrial application, driving autonomous innovation and digital transformation of the equipment. It will facilitate the industry’s intelligent upgrade and green development, laying a foundation for the high-quality growth of China’s shipbuilding and deep-sea technologies,” Ye Cong said with confidence, looking ahead to the future.