Recently, a new generation multi-purpose offshore engineering vessel, built by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (ZPMC) for CNOOC Shenzhen Offshore Engineering Technology Services Co., Ltd., completed its sea trials and has officially entered the final delivery stage. The commissioning of this vessel will further enhance the level of China's independent offshore engineering equipment capabilities, providing key equipment support for accelerating the development of deep-sea energy resources.
The vessel has an overall length of 126 meters, a molded breadth of 28 meters, a deck area of approximately 2,000 square meters, and a maximum operating water depth of 300 meters. It possesses unlimited navigation endurance and is classed with the China Classification Society (CCS). The hull adopts a double-layer structure with a single-body streamlined design, featuring a 7.2m × 7.2m moon pool amidships. It is equipped with an electric azimuth thruster propulsion system, DP 2 dynamic positioning, a 400-ton fully revolving crane, a 50-ton knuckle boom crane, and can accommodate a saturation diving module and a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) system. Integrating advantages such as deep-diving adaptability, global navigation capability, multi-functionality, energy efficiency, and stability, this vessel is a high-end "maritime sharp tool" independently developed by China for deep-sea resource exploitation.
This sea trial primarily completed core tests including vessel navigation performance, the full electric propulsion system, DP 2 closed-loop dynamic positioning, FMEA fault ride-through, overall vessel comfort, underwater load testing of lifting equipment, communication and navigation systems, and HiPAP underwater beacon locking, with comprehensive collection of massive real-time measurement data. During the sea trial, which coincided with the influence of a typhoon's peripheral circulation, the sea surface experienced continuous strong winds and swells. The reliability and stability of the entire set of equipment—including the hull, electromechanical systems, lifting gear, and underwater operations—were fully verified under these harsh sea conditions. All test results exceeded design specification requirements.
It is reported that after delivery, the vessel will undertake diverse operational tasks such as offshore platform maintenance and modification, operation and maintenance of oil and gas production facilities, installation of subsea structures, laying of submarine pipelines and cables, oilfield maintenance, seabed survey, and emergency rescue. It will provide a one-stop solution covering the entire chain of offshore engineering construction needs in coastal waters.