The Chinese State Shipbuilding Corporation has created the first smart ocean exploration vessel in Shanghai. According to the China Daily newspaper, it was named "Tongji" in honor of the Shanghai University of the same name.
"This is a new generation of 2,000-ton eco-friendly, silent and intelligent research vessels, independently designed and built by domestic companies," the publication quoted chief designer Li Zhenghua as saying.
A vessel with an electric jet engine can be controlled remotely from shore. It is equipped with autonomous navigation in open waters and an intelligent energy efficiency management system. The Tongji can sail in almost any oceanic area, with the exception of ice zones.
The length of the vessel is 81.5 m, the width is 15 m, and the draft is 6.9 m. It can accommodate 45 people, including 30 scientists, and can reach speeds of up to 15 knots (27 km/h). The range of navigation of the electric vessel is 80 thousand nautical miles, it can operate autonomously for up to 35 days.
Tongji will be used for scientific research and engineering works, as well as internships for students of Tongji University. tass.ru.
