Chinese shipbuilder Jiangsu Dajin Heavy Industry has commenced construction on a new type of semi-submersible offshore fish farming vessel to be fitted with a dynamic positioning (DP) system.
Zhangjiang Wan Yi Hao ("Zhangjiang Bay No 1") was designed by Zhanjiang Bay Laboratory in compliance to China Classification Society (CCS) rules.
CCS said the vessel will be the world's first floating DP-capable aquaculture platform. Other systems to be installed will include those for autonomous navigation and collision avoidance.
The vessel will also be capable of sailing under its own power thanks to the installation of an all-electric propulsion system with two azimuthing thrusters and two bow thrusters.
A helicopter deck will be fitted to allow efficient transfers of personnel even while the vessel itself is operating far from shore.