The Chinese scientific research ship Dayang Yihao, or “Ocean One”, set sail from Guangzhou on December 8, starting a 376-day global trip that will take it across the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. It is to conduct research on hot liquid sulfides and deep-sea biological diversity, according to Tao Chunhui, the chief scientist of the ship's research team. Hot liquid sulfides, commonly known as “black chimneys” by researchers, can provide clues about the origins of life. This will be China's 22nd deep-sea scientific research mission and the ship's third global voyage. A total of 431 scientists are expected to join in during different phases of the voyage.
The 104.5 m long and 5,500t ship carries advanced scientific instruments including the “Sea Dragon 2,” a remotely-operated underwater vehicle (ROV), as well as a powerful, newly developed deep sea drilling machine. The ship is expected to return home on December 18, 2011 after covering 45,000 nautical miles (83,340 km). It will make stops in South Africa, Brazil, Panama and Ecuador.
