XIAMEN -- China's new scientific expedition vessel 'Xiangyanghong 03' was put into service and joined China's oceanic research team in Xiamen, Fujian province on Saturday.
At a cost of 580 million yuan ($89 million), the 4,500-tonne ship was built by the State Oceanic Administration (SOA) and Wuchang shipbuilding industry group.
Xiangyanghong 03 is able to work in any navigable area, including the polar regions.
Yu Xingguang, director of the Third Institute of Oceanography under the SOA, said the vessel will carry out deep sea observation, exploration, sampling and analysis, and will be a mobile lab and experimentation platform for scientific research and technology development in deep sea and oceanic area.
The vessel is expected to make its maiden voyage in May.
China announced and implemented on May 15 a policy allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships via all cruise ship ports along the country's coastline.
China and Georgia are set to waive visa requirements for travelers starting May 28.
