China's first privately funded self-built scientific research vessel begins sea trials

According to the Zhejiang maritime authorities, China’s first 3,500ton oceanographic research vessel entirely funded and built with private capital, the “Haiying Jiake,” began sea trials at the Ruoshan anchorage in Wenling, Zhejiang, on September 19. The research vessel was built through joint funding of 150 million yuan raised by 37 fishermen, representing a practical example of privatesector participation in supporting marine scientific research. Before the vessel’s sea trials, the maritime authorities, together with the shipowner and shipyard, established an endtoend supervision and support mechanism covering construction, inspection, and sea trials, and carried out oversight focused on hazard identification, equipment operation, and preparation for operations. During the sea trials, the local maritime authorities conducted dynamic supervision through the Smart Maritime platform, video monitoring, and drone patrols, while also issuing timely weather alerts and safety reminders to ensure the smooth progress of the seatrial operations.