Marine Geology 6 completes landmark Pacific expedition
China's research vessel Marine Geology No. 6 has returned from the second leg of its 15th voyage, a 95‑day mission covering more than 12,000 nautical miles across the Pacific Ocean. The expedition brought back a wealth of deep‑sea data and specimens, marking several scientific firsts.
The crew collected environmental information, seawater samples, seabed sediments, polymetallic nodules, and rare biological specimens from the abyssal depths. These resources will help scientists better understand deep‑sea geology, ecosystems, and environmental conditions.
For the first time, the mission deployed both a domestically developed 6,000‑meter remote‑operated submersible and an autonomous underwater robot. Working in tandem, the two systems carried out high‑precision surveys and operations on the ocean floor, demonstrating China's growing capability in deep‑sea exploration technology.
Another milestone was the completion of the first electromagnetic profile survey of the Pacific abyss. The high‑quality data gathered will be crucial for selecting future ocean drilling sites and advancing research into the planet's subsurface structures.
Looking ahead, Marine Geology No. 6 plans to embark on another expedition in the first half of 2026, focusing on deeper geological and environmental surveys in the Pacific.
Marine Geology No. 6 is operated under China's national marine research program. The vessel is designed for long‑distance scientific expeditions and is equipped with advanced laboratories, sampling systems, and deep‑sea exploration technologies. Since its launch, it has played a central role in expanding China's oceanographic research capabilities and strengthening international collaboration in marine science.
