The world's largest silent research vessel built by China was officially put into use, which will pave the way for the cultivation of innovative deep-sea talent and ocean science study.

Built by Shanghai-based Jiangnan Shipyard (Group) Co., Ltd, the Dong Fang Hong 3 is the first Chinese research vessel and the world' fourth to have obtained a Silent-R certificate, the highest standard for underwater noise control issued by Norwegian international certification body, DNV GL, according to Xie Jun, chief builder of the vessel.

The ship is the first one in China and fourth in the world to receive the certification, positioning the vessel at the highest international standard in terms of the underwater radiation noise control in the world.
 
The 5,000-ton ship can hold 110 people and is capable of sailing for 15,000 nautical miles continuously. With a total length of about 103 meters and a width of about 18 meters, the ship has the ability to navigate the infinite navigation area of the world.
 
"When the boat is sailing, it is so quiet that fish beyond 20 meters under the water are not disturbed," Wu Gang, chief designer of the ship from the No. 708 Research Institute under China State Shipbuilding Corp, said.

"We will use the vessel for comprehensive and inter-disciplinary marine science research," said Yan Ju, vice president of the Qingdao-based Ocean University of China.