In order to enhance China’s ability to conduct maritime surveying and research, The State Oceanic Administration (SOA) announces the establishment of national maritime survey fleet, reports Xinhua.
The fleet consists of 19 survey vessels, which are individually owned by the SOA, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the Ministry of Education (MOE) and other government sectors and institutes with maritime interests.
SOA stated that the main activity of the vessels is to conduct extensive maritime surveys and complete research projects as part of major national research projects.
Mr. Cigui, director of SOA, stressed that the fleet will help the creation of a maritime surveying and information-sharing system in China.
The fleet is ought to act as the key of China’s oceanic improvement strategy, to take the initiative of undertaking marine surveys and acquiring complete and precise data from China’s coastal waters, as well as the open ocean.
[mappress]
World Maritime News Staff, April 19, 2012