China's first self-developed drilling vessel has been named "Mengxiang." /China Media Group
China's first independently developed drilling vessel with the world's deepest drilling depth, has been officially named "Mengxiang" (Dream), with its maiden voyage set in the following days, said China Geological Survey (CGS) of the Ministry of Natural Resources on Monday.
The vessel, measuring 179.8 meters in length and 32.8 meters in width, is about 33,000 tonnes in weight and has an endurance of 15,000 nautical miles.
It features the world's leading ocean drilling capability, and will provide important support for the industrialization of natural gas hydrate exploration and exploitation after its full completion expected in 2024, according to the CGS.
The vessel will further improve China's energy independence and bolster the country's ocean drilling missions.
Key technologies adopted such as the digital twin system will enable the intelligent collaboration in scientific experiments and the monitoring of the whole process of drilling operation.
China's first self-developed drilling vessel featuring world's advanced technologies. /China Media Group
The drillship is also home to the world's largest and most comprehensive onboard laboratory covering a total area of more than 3,000 square meters.
Studies in nine fields including marine science, microbiology and paleomagnetism can be carried out there.
The vessel is scheduled to start its first trial voyage on Friday from a port in Guangzhou City, south China's Guangdong Province.