New lab to fill gap in deep-sea R&D capability

The world's first joint deepwater laboratory for wind, waves and currents, under construction in Dalian, Liaoning province, is expected to fill a gap in China's research and development capabilities in deep-sea engineering, experts said.

The laboratory is part of the Deep-Sea Engineering Innovation Experimental Base project, which is a key initiative by Dalian University of Technology (DUT) to establish a global deep-sea engineering center.

DUT said the laboratory is poised to provide top-notch research and development conditions and high-quality technical services for critical needs such as deep-sea oil and gas resource development, nearshore renewable energy utilization and major transoceanic infrastructure construction.

Covering 16,000 square meters with a building area of 8,100 sq m, the project commenced construction last November and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

Key features include a 50-meter-long, 30 m wide, and 10 m deep comprehensive deep-sea engineering test pool, an 87.6 m long, 39.5 m wide and 19 m high vertical wind tunnel and an integrated office building.

Currently, the main body of the deep-water pool, excavation support for the massive foundation pit and roof-topping of the office building have been completed.

Sun Bowen, on-site manager of the project from China Construction Industrial and Energy Engineering Group Co Ltd, highlighted the challenges of the deep foundation pit excavation and support for the pool structure.

"Next, we will focus on conducting water pool deformation observations and continuing the construction of the main structure of the office building, aiming to complete all main structures by the end of the year," Sun said.

Jointly funded by DUT and China Three Gorges Corp, the project will create an innovative platform integrating ocean hydrodynamics experiments, marine structural analysis, offshore renewable energy development, and fluid dynamics.

It will feature a deep-sea test pool simulating a comprehensive ocean environment, catering to needs such as deep-sea mineral extraction simulations.