(ECNS) — China’s independently developed deep-sea multi-functional scientific investigation and cultural relics archaeological vessel, Tansuo-3, was officially delivered in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province on Thursday.

The 140-meter-long vessel can accommodate up to 80 passengers and reach a top speed of 16 knots (30 kilometers per hour). Designed with dual-direction icebreaking capabilities, it has an impressive range of 15,000 nautical miles (roughly 27,780 kilometers).

Tansuo-3 was independently designed, developed, and built by China. It is the country’s first comprehensive scientific research vessel capable of global deep-sea exploration, including in polar regions, and is equipped to support manned deep-sea dives in ice-covered areas.

Notably, the vessel has achieved many technological breakthroughs, including acoustic detection in ice-zone deep sea and dynamic positioning system.

Its advancement in vessel design, dynamic positioning and smart control has enabled China to expand its manned deep-sea submersible capabilities from full ocean depth to all ocean areas.

Besides, it has worked to obtain the i-Ship (I.Nx, Mx, Hx, Ex, Ri) intelligent classification symbols, paving the way for advancements in ship digitization and intelligence.

Compared with Tansuo-1 and Tansuo-2, the displacement of Tansuo-3 has increased from 6,000 metric tons to 10,000 metric tons.

Tansuo-1 and Tansuo-2, the mother ships for China’s manned submersibles, were delivered respectively in May 2016 and June 2020.