Xiang Yang Hong 01

Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 01

As I was in beginning of 2023 in Cape Town Duncan dock I saw one day, 16th February, this Chinese research vessel pull into port and spend a few days here. She looked like she had been at sea (or sat in a dirty port) for a long time with quite a dirty waterline, at least she had not been in ice. The discipline was quite militaristic, crew lined up on the dock for briefing, I think before going ashore. In one sense I do agree, Cape Town could be dangerous to anyone so better inform your crew to stay safe. One of my deckhands had already been mugged (despite warnings).

In this article by Dialogue earth about Chinese research vessels she seems to tally pretty close to the Xiang Yang Hong 03 design. She has a massive A-frame in the aft, probably used for lowering submarines and sensors.

IMO number 9779692
Vessel Name: Xiang Yang Hong 01 ('Facing the red sun')
Ship Type: Research Vessel
Flag: China
Year of Build: 2016

Builder: Wuchang Shipbuilding
Length Overall: 99.80 m

LPP: 88.8m
Beam: 17.80 m

Molded depth: 8.9m
Designed draft: 5.6m

Full-load displacement: 5180t

Gross Tonnage 4813
Service speed: 12.3knots
Maximum speed: 15.8knots
Range: 15000' 
Autonomy: 60 days
Personnel quota: 48/ 32 scientists/ crew
Dynamic positioning level: DP1

Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 01

First Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural resources (China), describes Xiang Yang Hong as follows:

"The “Xiang Yang Hong 01” is the most advanced new generation global-level modern integrated scientific investigation vessel at present in China. This vessel is an unrestricted sea-going ship which is driven by electric propulsion, integrates multiple disciplines, functions and technical means, meets multi-discipline coordinated research requirements for deep sea and ocean, and is a mobile marine laboratory and test platform for fundamental marine scientific researches and high & new technology research & development.

The on-board detection and test system equipped on the scientific investigation vessel mainly consists of systems for water detection, air detection, subfloor detection, deep-sea extreme environment detection, remote sensing information on-site confirmation, on-board test and network information, etc., is available for continuous fixed-point or underway detection of marine environmental parameters, continuous detection of conventional sea surface meteorological data, detection of air-sea interface flux, detection of seafloor topography-physiognomy, bottom characteristics sampling, geophysical exploration, cable-controlled deep-diving detection and visible sampling, and has the ability to complete three-dimensional comprehensive marine environment and resources survey of atmosphere, sea surface, water, seafloor and deep-sea extreme environment."

Funnel logo

Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 01, gangway

Not everyone seem to be in favor or enthusiastic about the Chinese scientific advancements and the sincerity of their intentions. Especially the Indians appear to harbor some resentment as is reported on 19th July 2016 in this article by Indian Express, claiming she could be operated by a single person.

On 16th April 2020, the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative reports about Xiang Yang Hong 01's surveys in the Asian region. It has a lot of information of surveys and charts where surveys have been carried out. The one section that maybe is the bone of discontent for the Indians may be this "Most countries maintain a similar distinction between naval survey ships, vessels engaged in marine scientific research, and ships involved in commercial operations. But China does not. The People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has some research ships of its own, but it also relies heavily on the work of ships controlled by other agencies, mostly under the Ministry of Natural Resources, that conduct both military and civilian marine scientific research."

Then on 19th April 2024 The Hindustan Times quite aggressively accuses the Xiang Yang Hong 01 of carrying out 'hostile' surveys near their territory and calls it a "spy ship".

Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 01, crew line up