Why is no one chartering China’s first privately owned research vessel?

AI Summary

China's first privately owned research vessel, the Haiying Jiake, launched recently near Wenling in Zhejiang province, is still awaiting its first assignment. Built with funds raised by local fishermen, the vessel is equipped to operate globally, including in thin sea ice, supporting various research missions.

The first scientific ship built by private interests in China is still waiting for its first assignment after it launched last month near Wenling, in Zhejiang province, on the east coast, according to Chinese media reports. The 82 metre-long (269-foot), 3,500-tonne Haiying Jiake research vessel was built with 150 million yuan (US$22 million) raised by 37 Zhejiang fishermen. It is designed to operate anywhere in the world’s oceans, including in thin sea ice, and support research ranging from...