The Zhuhaiyun, the world’s first intelligent unmanned mother ship, has successfully completed its latest scientific expedition and docked for the first time at Sanya Nanshan Port, marking a milestone in China’s marine scientific research.
A Revolutionary Vessel in Marine Exploration
The Zhuhaiyun, officially delivered for operation in January 2023, is an 88.5-meter-long vessel with a displacement of approximately 2,100 metric tons. It features a maximum speed of 18 knots and an economical cruising speed of 13 knots. Designed and built by Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding, the ship is operated by the Southern Ocean Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai).
It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including autonomous navigation and remote-control capabilities, making it a groundbreaking platform for ocean exploration.
The ship serves as a “mothership” for over 50 unmanned systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned surface vessels (USVs), and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs).
These systems can operate collaboratively to survey three-dimensional areas spanning up to 160 kilometers across, 4,000 meters above, and 1,500 meters below the ocean surface. This capability enables high-efficiency tasks such as marine mapping, environmental monitoring, offshore inspections, and resource surveys.
Intelligent Design and Green Technology
The Zhuhaiyun integrates advanced artificial intelligence (AI) for autonomous operations in open waters. Its AI system allows it to navigate complex marine environments with precision while performing tasks either autonomously or under remote control. The vessel also features a green design with energy-efficient propulsion systems, including diesel-electric generators and a battery energy storage system with a capacity of 600 kWh. These features ensure environmental sustainability alongside cutting-edge performance.
Enhancing China’s Marine Research Capabilities
Chen Wei, head of Sanya Nanshan Port Ocean Technology Co., Ltd., highlighted that intelligent research vessels like the Zhuhaiyun demand higher levels of technical support and service guarantees compared to traditional vessels. Nanshan Port has coordinated resources to provide docking and shore-based services tailored to such advanced ships.
As China’s first public scientific research dock, Nanshan Port has transformed into a critical hub for supporting large-scale research vessels like the Exploration III, Dongfanghong 3, Marine Geology No. 2, and Beidiao 996. In 2024 alone, the port completed 1,023 scientific expedition services.
The docking of the Zhuhaiyun at Nanshan Port symbolizes China’s entry into a new era of intelligent collaboration in marine science. The ship’s ability to deploy unmanned systems in swarms enhances efficiency by dozens to hundreds of times compared to traditional methods.
This positions China as a leader in marine innovation while advancing its capabilities in deep-sea exploration and environmental monitoring. The successful mission and docking of the Zhuhaiyun at Sanya Nanshan Port mark a significant achievement in maritime technology and research. As China continues to innovate in intelligent marine systems, vessels like the Zhuhaiyun will play an increasingly vital role in advancing ocean exploration while setting new benchmarks for efficiency and sustainability in marine science.
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