VESSEL REVIEW | Tanhai 9 – Chinese-built survey ship to support offshore wind industry

A shipyard in China has completed construction on an oceanographic and geological survey vessel that will be used primarily to support the country's offshore wind industry.

Designed by local naval architecture firm Zhejiang Seahead Ship Design and Research Institute (Seahead), Tanhai 9 ("Sea Exploration 9") will be operated by the CIMC Group subsidiary Zhuhai Tanhai Ocean Technology, a company that specialises in marine research, surveys, and geological exploration and engineering services.

The vessel has all-steel construction, an LOA of 60.64 metres, a beam of 12 metres, a depth of 4.7 metres, and a maximum draught of three metres. A main engine drives two azimuthing rudder propellers to deliver a service speed of 11.5 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles. The streamlined hull bottom ensures a minimal wake during normal cruising, thus ensuring more accurate readings will be collected by the onboard survey equipment.

Aiding in the vessel's research activities is a moonpool that measures 2.5 by 2.5 metres, an 18-tonne gantry, a knuckle boom crane, winches, and a dynamic positioning system. The onboard exploration drilling system can be used for engineering drilling and static penetration operations in anywhere from shallow waters to portions of seabed 150 metres deep.

Accommodations are available for a nine-strong crew and up to 14 additional personnel.