On July 8, the world’s first intelligent research and training vessel “Xin Hongzhu”, which integrates remote control, autonomous navigation and teaching and training, was named and delivered by COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Dalian). The vessel is developed by Shanghai Ship Research and Design Institute (SDARI) under China Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), which is a new “weapon” and new power to help China’s higher education institutions carry out ship intelligence research and teaching practice and to explore the intelligent ocean.
The vessel is a major construction project in the “14th Five-Year Plan” of Dalian Maritime University’s scientific and technological innovation, and is also a landmark project to build a high-end platform for China’s new-generation intelligent vessel application and comprehensive test. Classed by China Classification Society (CCS), it has an overall length of about 69.83 meters, a beam of 10.9 meters, a displacement of 1,430 tons, a capacity of 15 crew members, 5 researchers and 30 trainees.
The vessel adopts all electric-driven twin pod propulsion system, and has also obtained the “i-ship (R1,No,M,I)” additional mark of intelligent vessel, realizing the full coverage of intelligentization, and the deep integration of driving, machine and electricity, with the degree of intelligence reaching the world’s leading level. It has become the first research and training ship in the world with autonomous navigation, remote control and autonomous operation.
Meanwhile, the vessel adopts backward bow with hidden bulbous bow, and the bow is equipped with propulsion device. The vessel is designed for a speed of 18 knots, a range of 2,500 nautical miles, with DP1 power positioning capability; it meets the requirements of Class B ice strengthening, and can safely navigate in the ice area and carry out research and teaching work.
Notably, the vessel will be used for “intelligent ship research + teaching and practical training for students”, that is, on the one hand, it will be used to cultivate intelligent shipping talents and serve students’ cognitive learning, practical training and intelligent practical training; on the other hand, it will be used as a testing platform for intelligent ship research and test, and will serve the scientific research in the field of intelligent vessel.
The vessel can carry out research on intelligent navigation technology and system, vessel remote monitoring and shore-based support, vessel intelligent communication technology, vessel intelligent operation and maintenance technology, etc., so as to provide services for domestic and foreign related scientific research institutions to carry out research on intelligent vessel technology and promote the development of China’s intelligent vessel technology.