Refit Highlights for the Dong Fang Hong 2
At 22:30 on August 3, China's research vessel Dong Fang Hong 2 underwent a major refit that upgraded its navigation bridge, dynamic positioning system, automatic route-planning capability, laboratory layout, and crane performance. Built in the 1990s and measuring just under 100 meters in length, the ship has already logged more than 600,000 nautical miles on various scientific missions. Deep-sea research vessels are vital for studying the least-explored parts of the ocean, and the newly expanded depth range strengthens China's ability to carry out this kind of work.
The new onboard systems are designed to make crew operations easier and safer. The navigation bridge was redesigned to offer a wider field of vision for the team. Tong Yao, who led the modernization project, said: "The bridge is now very open, which gives the crew better sightlines for both ship handling and scientific experiments."
Thanks to the upgraded dynamic positioning system, the vessel can remain stationary for several hours at a time—an essential capability for precise ocean research. The automatic route-planning function also reduces the workload for the crew. In another improvement, the lab was moved closer to the stern, making research operations more efficient. The new folding crane, installed as part of the refit, lowers the ship's center of gravity and improves stability in rough seas.
Benefits of the Refit
As a result, the working depth of the vessel's equipment has increased from 6,000 to 10,000 meters, opening the door to far deeper scientific work. Dong Fang Hong 2 operates alongside specialists from France, Japan, Canada, the United States, and other countries, highlighting its importance in global oceanography and marine research.
The refit marks a significant step toward more effective oceanographic research. With these upgrades, the ship can undertake more ambitious experiments in deep-water environments, potentially strengthening international collaboration and yielding new insights into climate change, marine ecosystems, and other critical fields. The enhanced equipment also reflects China's growing presence in global scientific initiatives.