China Launches Two Scientific Vessels for Geophysical Surveys

Beijing has launched two new ships, the Ocean Geology VIII and the Ocean Geology IX, for scientific research, which, along with a third ship expected for launch later in the year, will be used for hydrological environment probes and mid-to-deep-sea drilling, Chinese media reported.

BEIJING (Sputnik) – According to the China Daily newspaper, the vessels will be given to two geological institutes.

The Ocean Geology IX is reportedly equipped with an underwater drill that can be used to take geological samples from 525 feet underground at water depth of over 1.5 miles.

The newspaper reported, citing chief engineer of the China State Shipbuilding Corp, that the new ships would play a crucial role in promoting innovation in marine geology.

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