The “Exploration-2” research vessel stands as China’s first manned submersible mothership, fully equipped with domestically developed scientific research equipment. It also serves as one of the dual motherships for the “Fendouzhe” (Striver) submersible, which successfully completed a manned deep-sea dive of up to 10,000 meters.
The “Exploration-2” research vessel is China’s first manned submersible mothership fully equipped with domestically developed scientific research equipment. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
On April 22, Guangzhou Wenchong Dockyard Co., Ltd. (GWD), a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited, successfully completed a full overhaul of the “Exploration-2” research vessel, supporting its upcoming deep-sea scientific research missions.
The overhaul project began on March 12. The team, with 41 days of high-efficiency collaboration, completed a series of critical tasks including a 10-year special inspection, major repairs on all four main generators, replacement of the large hydraulic cylinders on the A-frame, as well as maintenance on the main propulsion system, bow thruster, and retractable thruster.
By April 22, the vessel’s power system was fully restored to optimal condition, laying a solid foundation for its next journey into the deep sea.
This marks the fourth time the “Exploration-2” vessel has returned to GWD for servicing. On July 16, 2022, the company completed an adaptive refitting project two days ahead of schedule. On April 22, 2024, it conducted a comprehensive overhaul of mechanical systems, critical underwater components, and equipment for deploying the 10,000-meter submersible. On January 27, it completed the replacement of the A-frame’s hydraulic cylinders.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
