SHANGHAI - China's first oceanic scientific research vessel with a private partner may sail the Indian Ocean to carry out projects on oil and gas resources, marine biology and marine chemistry in a couple of years.

Zhejiang Taihe Shipping Co Ltd, based in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, is working with the Second Institute of Oceanography to develop the vessel, according to a senior company manager surnamed Chen.

Under a preliminary agreement, the vessel will be designed by 708 Research Institute of China Marine Industrial Group and Shanghai Ship Design & Research Institute.

Taihe will be responsible for the ship's design and construction while the Second Institute will be in charge of providing its professional research facilities and equipment.

The design plan for the 4,000-ton vessel includes seven stories, with four floors - each nearly 1,000 square meters - below the water line. Facilities will include a research room, laboratory, library, entertainment room, sleeping quarters, kitchen and refrigerator.

It will take two years and about 500 million yuan ($77 million) to build.

"The research vessel aims to be a multi-functional and multi-technological ship in order to meet the international standard on deep-sea marine science research," Lu Yunjun, Taihe's owner, said Thursday.

The East China company was founded in 2009 and focuses on domestic shipping services. It also has the capabilities to manufacture a high-quality ship with a professional team, Chen said on Thursday.

"Although our focus hasn't moved to ship making, we have enough skilled crews and equipment to finish the project," he said.

"We recognize this first-time cooperation can help the development of the national maritime industry and enhance the reputation of our enterprise as well."

Chen said the vessel's design plan passed a two-day review this week, although changes will be made to meet detailed professional requirements.

"Hopefully the formal construction could be started later this year. We still have more discussion and negotiation to be specified with the Second Institute of Oceanography."

China began oceanic scientific research in the 1970s and drew up its oceanic mine resource plan in 1984. High-tech work platforms were established then for deep-sea mineral exploitation, transport and smelting.

"We'd like to work with private enterprises like Taihe on building the research vessel. There are still certain procedures we have to go through before finally signing the agreement," said a source from the Second Institute of Oceanography, which operates under the State Oceanic Administration.

China Daily

(China Daily 06/18/2011 page4)