China’s first intelligent oceanographic research vessel, Tong Ji, was officially delivered in Shanghai on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in the country’s marine science capabilities. Designed and built entirely in China, the vessel was constructed by CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company Limited for Tongji University and represents a new generation of green, quiet, and intelligent research ships.
Weighing 2,000 metric tons, Tong Ji integrates advanced marine technologies with educational and research functions. It is designed to support a wide range of scientific disciplines, including marine geology, chemistry, and biology, while also serving as a floating platform for talent cultivation, science education, and cultural preservation. Described as an “offshore campus,” the vessel is tailored to the academic and research needs of Tongji University.
According to Li Zhenghua, the vessel’s chief technologist, Tong Ji measures 82 meters in length and 15 meters in width, and can accommodate 15 crew members and up to 30 researchers. With a voyage range of 8,000 nautical miles, it is capable of long-duration missions in open seas. Notably, the vessel can autonomously navigate and plan energy-efficient routes, supported by a high-performance communication system that allows seamless coordination across air, sea, and underwater research equipment.
Though built on a 2,000-ton class platform, optimized spatial design gives Tong Ji capabilities equivalent to a 3,000-ton research ship. It features a 460-square-meter deck operation area, 320 square meters of laboratory space, and an average of 10.2 square meters of living space per person. Additional onboard facilities include more than 100 square meters dedicated to meetings, leisure, and fitness.
A key feature of the vessel is its modular laboratory system, allowing it to be equipped with various specialized research containers depending on the mission. This flexibility enables the vessel to conduct expeditions focused on marine geology, biology, chemistry, and atmospheric sciences. Beyond research, Tong Ji can also carry out marine engineering operations, such as submarine cable laying and maintenance.
With the launch of Tong Ji, China continues to expand its capacity for advanced marine research and technological self-reliance, reinforcing its ambitions to be a global leader in ocean sciences and engineering.
