Jiaolong

Jiaolong is a Chinese deep-sea crewed submersible renowned for its exceptional diving capability and contribution to oceanographic research. It is one of the deepest-diving manned submersibles in the world, capable of descending to depths exceeding 7,000 metres. The vehicle symbolises China’s significant advancements in marine technology and its growing role in deep-sea scientific exploration.

Background and Development

The Jiaolong project originated as part of China’s strategic initiative to develop indigenous deep-sea exploration technology. Work on the submersible began in the late 1990s, under the supervision of the China Ship Scientific Research Centre (CSSRC) and the State Oceanic Administration (SOA). The name “Jiaolong” (蛟龙) translates to “flood dragon” in Chinese mythology, symbolising strength, resilience, and mastery over water.
The project’s development was motivated by China’s desire to explore and utilise marine resources in deep-sea regions, particularly within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and the wider Pacific Ocean. Jiaolong represents one of the key milestones in the National High-Tech R&D Programme (863 Programme), which aims to enhance China’s scientific and technological self-reliance.

Technical Specifications

The Jiaolong submersible is a three-person, manned deep-sea vehicle designed for scientific observation, sample collection, and seabed mapping. It features several sophisticated systems that enable safe operation under extreme pressure conditions.
Key technical features include:

• Maximum Operating Depth: Approximately 7,062 metres, achieved during a dive in the Mariana Trench in June 2012.
• Crew Capacity: Three (one pilot and two scientists).
• Length: Around 8.2 metres.
• Weight: Approximately 22 tonnes.
• Hull Material: Made of titanium alloy, capable of withstanding pressures exceeding 700 times that at sea level.
• Propulsion: Equipped with multiple thrusters allowing precise manoeuvrability in three dimensions.
• Observation Systems: High-resolution cameras, sonar, and lighting equipment designed for deep-sea imaging.
• Robotic Arms: Two manipulator arms used for collecting rock, biological, and sediment samples.
• Life Support System: Provides up to 12 hours of operational endurance with oxygen, carbon dioxide absorption, and emergency reserves.

Operational Milestones

Since its initial sea trials, Jiaolong has achieved several notable milestones that have placed it among the world’s elite deep-sea exploration vehicles.

1. 2009–2010:
   • Conducted its first successful manned dives in the South China Sea.
   • Reached depths of around 1,000 metres during early trials.
2. 2011:
   • Achieved a record dive of 5,057 metres in the Pacific Ocean, surpassing previous Chinese submersible depths.
3. 2012:
   • Reached its maximum recorded depth of 7,062 metres in the Mariana Trench, becoming the deepest-diving operational manned submersible at the time.
   • This achievement marked China’s entry into the ranks of nations capable of independent ultra-deep-sea exploration.
4. 2013–2017:
   • Participated in extensive scientific expeditions, including studies in the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean, and western Pacific hydrothermal vents.
5. Post-2017:
   • Continued deep-sea research missions under the China Ocean Mineral Resources Research and Development Association (COMRA), focusing on geological and biological investigations.

Scientific Contributions

The Jiaolong submersible has made significant contributions to marine science and oceanography. Its ability to reach the abyssal zones of the ocean has enabled Chinese and international scientists to gain new insights into deep-sea ecosystems, mineral resources, and geological formations.
Major scientific achievements include:

• Exploration of Hydrothermal Vents: Studied unique deep-sea ecosystems, revealing previously unknown species and microbial communities.
• Marine Geology: Collected rock and sediment samples from seamounts and trenches to understand tectonic activity and mineral deposits.
• Polymetallic Nodules and Sulphides: Conducted surveys for potential mining of manganese nodules, cobalt-rich crusts, and hydrothermal sulphides.
• Deep-Sea Biodiversity Research: Documented biological adaptations to extreme pressure and darkness.
• Environmental Monitoring: Provided data on temperature, salinity, and chemical gradients critical to oceanographic models.

International Significance

Jiaolong’s success places China among a select group of countries with advanced deep-sea exploration capability, alongside the United States, Japan, France, and Russia. Its operational depth surpasses that of Japan’s Shinkai 6500 and approaches the world-record dives of submersibles like the U.S. DSV Alvin and the privately built Deepsea Challenger.
The submersible’s missions contribute not only to national scientific advancement but also to global understanding of ocean processes and climate systems. Its data supports international research on plate tectonics, deep-sea ecology, and carbon sequestration.

Role in China’s Ocean Strategy

The Jiaolong project is part of China’s broader Deep-Sea Strategy, which emphasises the exploration and sustainable utilisation of marine resources as part of national development. It aligns with China’s goals to:

• Expand knowledge of its deep-sea territories.
• Strengthen technological independence in marine research.
• Develop capabilities in deep-sea mining and bioprospecting.
• Contribute to global marine science cooperation through data-sharing and joint expeditions.

Jiaolong’s operational success has paved the way for the development of newer Chinese submersibles, such as Shenhai Yongshi (Deep-Sea Warrior) and Fendouzhe (Striver), the latter of which reached depths exceeding 10,000 metres in 2020.

Technical and Operational Challenges

Operating at extreme ocean depths presents formidable engineering and logistical challenges. Jiaolong’s missions require precision coordination between support vessels, submersible systems, and onboard life-support technologies.
Key challenges include:

• Withstanding intense hydrostatic pressure and corrosion.
• Ensuring communication reliability between the submersible and surface ship.
• Maintaining energy efficiency and operational endurance during long dives.
• Managing navigation in dark, high-pressure environments with limited visibility.

Continuous upgrades and maintenance are essential to ensure safety, reliability, and scientific efficiency.

Symbolism and Legacy

Beyond its technical achievements, Jiaolong carries profound symbolic meaning for China’s scientific progress. It represents:

• Technological self-reliance: A testament to indigenous innovation and engineering excellence.
• National pride: A milestone showcasing China’s ascent in global oceanographic research.
• Scientific diplomacy: A platform for collaboration with international researchers in deep-sea studies.

Jiaolong has also captured public imagination as a symbol of human curiosity and determination to explore the Earth’s last frontier — the deep ocean.

Future Prospects

With its operational success, Jiaolong continues to play an important role in China’s marine exploration programme. Future missions aim to:

• Conduct long-term observation of deep-sea environments.
• Support resource mapping in international seabed areas.
• Facilitate collaboration with universities and research institutions worldwide.
• Integrate with emerging technologies such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and deep-sea observatories.