Overview
- Recent reports say construction has begun on the Deep-Sea All-Weather Resident Floating Research Facility, with project leaders reiterating a 2028 operational target.
- Design contracts signed in December 2024 with China State Shipbuilding Corporation specify a twin-hull, roughly 78,000-ton platform measuring about 138 by 85 meters and supporting up to 238 people for four months.
- The semi-submersible platform is designed to cruise at up to 15 knots, operate in sea state 7, and withstand extremely strong typhoons reported as category 17.
- Peer-reviewed work by Shanghai Jiao Tong University describes metamaterial sandwich panels that aim to turn blast shocks into controlled compression, with simulations reporting a 58.53% reduction in structural movement.
- Although listed as national scientific infrastructure, project materials reference military standard GJB 1060.1-1991, and analysts say potential roles could include communications, logistics, or surveillance in areas such as the South China Sea.