On July 13, China’s first ocean-class intelligent research vessel, the “Tongji” (同济号), built by CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. for Tongji University, was officially delivered in Shanghai.
Attending the delivery ceremony were Qiu Wenjin, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Development and Reform Commission; Zhao Zhen, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Education Commission; Qu Wei, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission; Jin Hongsong, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Oceanic Bureau; Luo Bing, Chairman of CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.; and Zheng Qinghua, Secretary of the Party Committee of Tongji University and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, who each delivered speeches.
Other attendees included former Tongji University Party Secretary Fang Shou’en; Academicians Chen Dake, Song Junqiang, Wang Juncheng, and Jian Zhimin; Li Weilin, Deputy Director of the China Ship Research and Design Center; Zhang Qingwen, Vice President of the China Classification Society; Chen Cixiang, Assistant Director of the 704th Research Institute of CSSC; Xun Zhenglai, Chief Engineer of Tianhai Fusion Defense Equipment Technology Co., Ltd.; Zhou Ning, Chief Engineer of the Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai); Wang Fan, Director of the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Fang Yinxia, Director of the Second Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources; Lou Yongqi, President of Shanghai University of Engineering Science; Wu Nengyou, Deputy Director of the Laoshan Laboratory; Wei Fuhai, Deputy Director of the Polar Research Institute of China; Jiang Lei, Deputy Director of the Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences; and Shi Zhenming, Vice President of Tongji University. The ceremony was presided over by Lü Peiming, Executive Vice President of Tongji University.
Also present were leaders and representatives from the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission, Shanghai Investment Promotion Service Center, Baoshan District Science and Technology Innovation Development Management Committee, Wuhan Ship Design and Research Institute, Shanghai Jiachuan Engineering Supervision Development Co., Ltd., Xiamen C&D Marine Co., Ltd., Peking University, Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Zhejiang University, Nanjing University, Xiamen University, East China Normal University, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Shanghai Ocean University, and the Naval Equipment Research Institute, as well as representatives from Tongji University’s relevant departments, schools, faculty, and students.
Qiu Wenjin stated that the “Tongji” will provide solid equipment support for China’s maritime power strategy and marine resource development while helping Shanghai achieve breakthroughs in smart oceans, green oceans, and deep-sea exploration. The vessel offers comprehensive scientific and educational functions, serving as an excellent platform for talent development and industry-education integration, supporting interdisciplinary thinking and innovative practical abilities in real marine environments, and advancing Shanghai’s higher education from the “classroom” to the “deep blue.”
Zhao Zhen noted that the “Tongji” creates an immersive learning platform for students—not just a research vessel but a “floating university at sea.” Students can learn while sailing, analyze while operating, and seamlessly engage with major research projects, enhancing their comprehensive skills through real-world tasks. He expressed hope that Tongji University would develop more forward-looking and strategic projects, offering models for higher education reform in the new era.
Qu Wei highlighted Tongji University’s focus on “deep drilling, deep observation networks, and deep diving,” with notable achievements in marine science research, seabed observation technology, and international cooperation. Marine scientific expeditions are crucial for innovation, and the “Tongji,” with its advanced design and superior performance, will provide strong support for marine research and talent development.
Jin Hongsong praised Tongji University’s commitment to deep-sea exploration, from leading the National Seabed Scientific Observation Network to hosting International Ocean Discovery Program expeditions and now delivering the “Tongji.” He encouraged the university to scale new heights in marine research, supporting Shanghai’s modern marine city development and global maritime endeavors.
Luo Bing expressed hope that the “Tongji” would safely and efficiently complete future research missions, yielding groundbreaking results. Huangpu Wenchong pledged full support for the vessel’s operations, contributing to China’s maritime power ambitions.
Zheng Qinghua called the “Tongji” a milestone in Tongji University’s maritime strategy, transforming marine research from basic science to integrated science and technology. The vessel will serve as a “cradle” for marine talent, a “crucible” for technological breakthroughs, and a “flagship” for national strategy, writing a new chapter in China’s maritime strength.
At the ceremony, Luo Bing and Shi Zhenming exchanged delivery documents, marking the official handover. Zheng Qinghua, Chen Dake, Song Junqiang, Wang Juncheng, Jian Zhimin, Luo Bing, Li Weilin, Chen Cixiang, Zhang Qingwen, Lou Yongqi, Xun Zhenglai, and Zhou Ning jointly activated the delivery with a symbolic push.
The “Tongji” is a 2,000-ton next-generation green, quiet, and intelligent research vessel designed by the China Ship Research and Design Center. It integrates marine geology, chemistry, biology, and other research functions, serving as a “floating campus” for Tongji University. Construction began in April 2024, with the vessel launched in January and completing sea trials in May.
Measuring 81.5 meters in length, 15 meters in beam, and 6.9 meters in depth, the “Tongji” has a maximum speed of 16 knots, a range of 8,000 nautical miles, and accommodates 45 crew members for 35 days. It features a domestically developed all-electric propulsion system and is classified for unlimited navigation (excluding ice zones). It is China’s first ocean-class research vessel to receive four CCS smart ship notations (i-ship R1, No, E, I) for shore-based remote control, open-water autonomous navigation, intelligent energy management, and integrated smart platforms, forming a “perception-decision-collaboration-control” closed-loop system.
The “Tongji” boasts full-range intelligent sensing, advanced decision-making support, efficient communication, and integrated control, enabling autonomous navigation, collision avoidance, and dynamic positioning. It reduces energy consumption by 8% compared to similar vessels through a hybrid DC bus and lithium iron phosphate battery system.
Equipped with modular labs, ROVs, drones, and unmanned boats, the vessel offers hands-on learning in marine geology, ecology, and engineering. Its 460-square-meter deck, 320-square-meter labs, and 10.2-square-meter cabins per person rival 3,000-ton vessels in capability.
Designed by Tongji University’s College of Design and Innovation, the “Tongji” features a sleek, modern exterior and a comfortable, community-like interior with natural lighting, noise reduction, and high-speed satellite connectivity.
Post-delivery, the vessel will support marine research, engineering tasks, and student training, advancing Tongji University’s goals in tropical climate dynamics and West Pacific geology. It will foster interdisciplinary collaboration and cultivate innovative talent, strengthening China’s marine research capabilities.
