Overview
- Engineers at the China Ship Scientific Research Centre in Wuxi report the design is complete and plan to build a prototype before the end of 2026.
- The program targets commercial operations by 2030 with capacity for four people per dive.
- Key elements, including a panoramic viewport considered one of the toughest components, are described as already developed by director Ye Cong in China Daily.
- The centre, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corp., is adapting expertise from scientific subs Jiaolong and Deep Sea Warrior for civilian use.
- The venture seeks to challenge Western makers such as Triton, U-Boat Worx and Deep Rover, with experts noting that certification, safety and ticket prices in the thousands to tens of thousands of dollars will determine viability.