"Dongfanghong 2" officially delivered after upgrade and renovation
The Dongfanghong 2 oceanographic research vessel has been upgraded and delivered, improving maneuverability, power, and comprehensive detection capabilities It supports full-ocean-depth operations and global navigation, ushering in a new stage of more advanced maritime scientific research
The Oceanographic Research and Training Vessel Dong Fang Hong 2 of Ocean University of China was officially delivered in Qingdao, Shandong, on July 29. The upgrade focused on improving the ship's maneuvering power, scientific research system functions, operational space layout, and overall sailing performance.
The Dong Fang Hong 2 entered service in 1996 and has safely sailed for 27 years, covering more than 600,000 nautical miles. It has carried out 160 major national research cruise missions and 227 offshore internship teaching missions, with its tracks covering multiple sea areas.
According to the introduction, after the upgrade the vessel has unlimitedarea global sailing capability and can conduct integrated multidisciplinary marine surveys in hydrology, meteorology, geology, biology, and geophysics, while also supporting the deployment and recovery of fulloceandepth underwater exploration equipment. After the renovation, its capacity is set at 160 people. The laboratories, research cabins, working deck, and information systems have also been updated, and it is expected to remain in service for another 30 years.