China's first privately funded research vessel begins sea trials

(ECNS) -- China's first 3,500-metric-ton deep-sea research vessel, fully funded and built with private capital, began sea trials Saturday in Wenling, Zhejiang Province, according to local maritime authorities.

Named Haiying Jiake, the vessel was built with 150 million yuan ($21 million) raised by 37 fishermen, marking an innovative effort by private capital to support marine scientific research.

During the sea trials, the Taizhou Maritime Administration used smart maritime platforms, CCTV and drone patrols to conduct real-time, three-dimensional monitoring. The authority also issued weather alerts and safety reminders and took measures to manage navigation risks in the trial area, ensuring safe and efficient operations.

(By Gong Weiwei)