China’s First Ocean Research Drilling Vessel, Mengxiang, Ready For Sea Trials

China’s first ocean research drilling vessel is ready for sea trials, which would significantly improve its capacity for deep-sea oil and gas exploration. Mengxiang, which translates to “dream” in Chinese, is a cutting-edge research and drilling vessel that can descend to depths of over 10,000 meters (32,800 ft).

The vessel has a fantastic capacity with a range of 15,000 nautical miles (27,780 kilometres) and 120 days of continuous operation without returning to port. With the capability to drill down to 11,000 meters below sea level, Mengxiang is a valuable asset in further strengthening China’s position as a leader in deep-sea exploration.

China’s first ultra-deepwater drilling vessel is preparing to test its readiness for vital exploratory missions beneath the Earth’s crust.https://t.co/aQ0WZ6eXGY pic.twitter.com/zaQ1QVhexY

— CCTV+ (@CCTV_Plus) December 18, 2023

Video Credits: @CCTV_Plus/Twitter

Geographical limitations do not affect China’s first-of-its-kind drilling ship, which can travel in any sea. The precise location of the upcoming sea trials has yet to be made public.

In the resource-rich South China Sea, tensions are rising as Mengxiang develops. Long-standing disputes between China and the Philippines worsened after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that new energy exploration projects would be launched in the contested waters. China, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brunei have partial claims to the South China Sea, a crucial route for the more than $3 trillion yearly shipborne trade.

With an average depth of more than 1,200 meters (3,900 feet), the South China Sea offers rich oil and gas reserves. In March, China and the Philippines renewed their discussions about working together to explore these resources.

President Marcos expressed his dissatisfaction with the negotiations, stating “very little progress” despite these meetings. The dynamics of the South China Sea and its disputed energy resources take on new significance with the arrival of China’s cutting-edge ultra-deepwater drilling vessel.

Reference: Reuters

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