China’s Jiaolong deep-sea research vessel set for sea trials after major upgrades

One of China’s most advanced deep-sea research vessels – the submersible Jiaolong – has been given major upgrades and is set for sea trials in March, state news agency Xinhua reported on Monday.

The crewed deep-sea vessel, which is capable of diving more than 7,000 metres (23,000 feet), is now equipped with a new high-energy-density lithium battery system and a low-noise propulsion system, according to China’s oceanic affairs administration.

Improved hydraulics and enhanced video transmission and fault diagnosis systems have also been installed to boost the vessel’s performance, safety and autonomy during deep-sea missions.

After tank tests this month, the submersible, which is named after a mythical sea dragon, will undergo sea trials in the South China Sea, according to Xinhua.

“The upgrade will maintain Jiaolong’s technological leading role and support future deep-sea scientific research voyages,” Xinhua said.

In 2010, Jiaolong unfurled a Chinese flag at the bottom of the South China Sea using a robotic arm, stirring controversy among regional neighbours who have competing territorial claims in the contested waters.