Photos of the Jiaolong’s upgrade and maintenance. Photo provided by National Deep Sea Base Management Center

As a "national weapon" for managing the deep sea, the Jiaolong will complete tank tests in February this year after upgrading and refitting, and will conduct application sea trials in March.

The reporter learned from the China Ocean Affairs Administration that the submariners and technicians are currently working intensively to upgrade the Jiaolong, mainly including the 7,000-meter-class large-capacity, long-life, high-energy-density flexible lithium battery system and the high-efficiency direct-drive Key components such as low-noise DC propulsion have been upgraded, while systems such as hydraulic systems, video transmission systems, operation tool kits and fault diagnosis and decision support have been optimized.

It is reported that the Jiaolong has completed the upgrade and replacement of key components, will complete the pool test in February 2025, and will conduct sea trials to enhance the key operational capabilities of the Jiaolong in the South China Sea in March. The technical upgrade of key components will significantly enhance the overall performance and safe operation capability of Jiaolong, improve the autonomous controllability of deep-sea exploration technology, maintain the technological leadership of Jiaolong, and provide technical support for subsequent deep-sea scientific research and application voyages.

As a 7,000-meter manned submersible independently developed by China, Jiaolong is a "national treasure" for China to understand and manage the deep sea. Its survey scope has covered the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and Atlantic Ocean, and it has played a vital role in promoting human understanding of the deep sea. , and plays an important role in improving the level of scientific research.