China finishes deep-sea tests on upgraded Jiaolong submersible

China has carried out tests on an upgraded deep-sea vessel in the South China Sea to prepare it for ocean research missions, according to state media.

“The Jiaolong, after its technological upgrade, will be sent right away into a number of intensive scientific research missions,” the report said.

“More than 80 dives are expected in 2025, which will set a new record for the Jiaolong’s annual operations.”

These missions will include studies of the Western Pacific, the Arctic and the Indian Ocean for the Ministry of Natural Resources, and a further joint voyage to the Indian Ocean with a team from the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

During the trial, the submersible carried out a record 14 diving sorties in 10 days, including four days in which it made two dives – a new record for this vessel.

On nine dives there were more scientists on board than professional divers, something that will allow more scientific tasks to be carried out during each sortie.