China creates unit for archaeological work on water

China is building the first ship designed for archaeological work in the open sea. It will allow Chinese researchers to sail to offshore locations. It will also allow exploration, excavation and transport of finds to the mainland. The vessel is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2013.

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Thanks to this turn of events, Chinese archaeologists will finally have their own ship, and knowing life and the momentum prevailing in this part of the world, it will certainly be a real ship. According to the plan, the vessel will be 56m long and 4.8m wide, with a displacement of 860 tonnes. It will be propelled by an integrated electrical system.

The Chinese archaeologists’ new baby will work mainly in coastal areas, but if conditions are favourable, the waters surrounding Xisha and Paracel islands in the China Sea will be within its range.

With the equipment on board, researchers will be able to search for and locate finds, as well as produce maps and video recordings, and carry out excavation operations during research. China Ship Building Corporation and Changhang Dongfeng Ship Buliding Corporation are responsible for the construction of the ship.

Chinese archaeologists are already rubbing their hands at the thought of their new acquisition. Until now, they have had to make do by chartering vessels from local fishermen. China’s 18,000-kilometre coastline is full of monuments that will be easier to explore thanks to technological advances.

Source: xinhuanet.com