China Begins Construction of 2000-Meters Deep-Sea Manned Laboratory

China has started the construction of a deep-sea manned research laboratory in Guangzhou. The facility, weighing 600 tons, will function as a stationary submarine, capable of operating at depths of up to 2,000 meters with a crew of six. Once completed, it will allow scientists to remain submerged for 30 days at a time before resurfacing.

The project, known as the Research Facility of Cold-seep Ecosystem, is being developed by the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It is expected to take five years to complete, with sea trials planned for 2030. The main focus of the facility is the study of cold seeps- areas of the seabed where oil and gas naturally leak into the water.

These sites are home to unique organisms, including tube worms, clams, and rare corals, which thrive without sunlight by relying on chemical energy. Scientists aim to understand how these ecosystems evolve, how marine life adapts to extreme pressure and darkness, and how methane interacts with the ocean environment.

Unlike conventional research submersibles that have limited dive durations, this deep-sea lab will allow for extended observations using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and mobile manned platforms.

The facility will also feature land-based simulation systems to support long-term, high-precision studies. According to reports, researchers believe this project will place China at the forefront of deep-sea science and sustainable ocean resource development. It is also expected to contribute to climate studies and guide responsible extraction of methane hydrates, a potential energy source.

The development of this deep-sea lab involves cutting-edge engineering, particularly in the fabrication of large, high-pressure titanium alloy components and depth-rated hatches capable of docking submersibles at 2,000 meters.

Per the design illustrations the submersible will feature five interconnected spherical pressure hulls, similar to Russia’s Losharik, a classified deep-diving submarine believed to be used for undersea intelligence operations. While China’s facility is focused on research, reports suggest the technology could also support deep-sea mining, oil and gas exploration, and maritime security efforts, particularly in the South China Sea.

The proposal for this project was first approved by the Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2017 and later incorporated into China’s 14th Five-Year Plan in 2021. Guangzhou, a key hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, is expected to play a central role in advancing marine research and manufacturing for the project.

The research institute leading the initiative has stated that the facility will serve as an open-access platform for international collaboration, attracting top scientists from around the world.