- Privately backed ship highlights gap in deep-sea research capacity
- Project aims to lease vessel to universities and institutes
A group of Chinese fishermen has launched the country’s first privately funded ocean research vessel, filling a gap in scientific infrastructure as demand for deep-sea exploration outpaces supply.
The 82-meter ship, named Haiying Jiake, was launched around 10am on May 5 at a shipyard in Wenling, Zhejiang province, after being financed by 37 local fishermen who jointly invested 150 million yuan ($22 million).
With a range of 10,000 nautical miles, the vessel is equipped with a full electric propulsion system and DP-2 dynamic positioning, along with a moon pool, a 75-ton A-frame and multiple deep-sea exploration instruments.
The moon pool is an opening in the bottom of a ship’s hull—essentially a vertical shaft that allows direct access from inside the vessel to the sea below.
The vessel can carry up to 48 researchers. Construction began in March 2025 and reached launch in just 14 months, with delivery expected in August after final installation and testing.
The project was initiated by Cai Yunjie, a veteran fisherman with more than three decades at sea, who said he was struck by the shortage of research vessels during discussions with industry experts in early 2024.
Subsequent research across several provinces found a shortfall of around 50 vessels nationwide, with many marine science students lacking access to fieldwork opportunities.
“I hope to contribute to the country’s ocean research,” Cai said. The vessel will operate on a leasing model for universities and research institutes, with cooperation agreements already in discussion.
Once operational, the ship is expected to support marine resource exploration and scientific surveys, offering a rare example of grassroots participation in China’s push to strengthen its ocean research capabilities.
