With podded propulsion units as its driving force, the vessel will boast better mobility than existing research ships in China, he said.

Wu Gang, the ship's chief designer at the Shanghai-headquartered Marine Design and Research Institute of China, said the research vessel will be one of the best sea-based scientific platforms in the world as well as the biggest research ship deployed by any university around the globe.

Its service will strongly improve the nation's research and personnel training in oceanography, he added.

"The ship features several technological and technical edges such as a fuel-efficient power system and ultra-silent mode," the designer said. "It can carry multiple unmanned boats and remotely operated underwater vehicles, and also can accommodate a helicopter. These assets will extend its operational range."

They made the remarks on the sidelines of the Marintec China 2019 that opened in Shanghai on Tuesday. The biennial exhibition is the largest and most important showcase of marine technology and products in China and has more than 2,200 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions including the United States, Denmark and South Korea.