Two Chinese state oceanic organisations have contracted research and support ships at domestic shipyards.
Brokers said China Ocean Mineral Resources R&D Association (COMRA) has ordered a 5,000-dwt oceanographic vessel called Da Yang Er Hao at Huangpu Wenchong.
It will be delivered in March 2019, while a 4,200-dwt ROV support ship will be handed over from Wuchang Shipbuilding in the same month.
China State Oceanic Administration was reported to have signed up for a 4,500-dwt oceanographic vessel for delivery in January 2019 from Jiangnan Shipyard.
