A photo of workers building the vessel. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]

The first privately-funded deep-sea scientific research vessel in China took shape at Taizhou Bay in Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang provice on June 10, where local fisherman Cai Yunjie stood admiring the steel skeleton at the Tenglong Shipyard terminal.

Sparked by a lecture in 2024 where scholars lamented that a lack of research vessels is hampering marine studies and talent development, Cai and over 30 fellow fishermen raised 1.3 billion yuan ($181 million) to fund the project.

"We've spent our lives fishing — now it's time to give back to the sea," Cai said.

While commercial ships offer high profits, Cai and his peers believe scientific research ships are investments in the future. "We don't want quick money, and we want to chase the future among the waves," he said.

Built with advanced features like anti-roll water tanks inspired by traditional fishing techniques, modular labs, and a 10,000-nautical-mile range, the 82-meter-long vessel is designed for global deep-sea missions. It will support marine exploration, seabed mapping, biological sampling, and energy industry needs.

Expected to launch in early 2026, the ship will also help universities with training and research. For these fishermen, the project is not only a technical milestone, but a legacy for future generations — and a source of national pride.