Chinese marine research vessel, Xiang Yang Hong 03, arrived near Male' today after spending about a month near the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Tracking sites such as Marine Traffic show that the vessel is now near Thilafushi. However, it is not yet known where the vessel will dock.
The research vessel began its journey on January 14, 2024, 24 hours after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu concluded his state visit to China.
The vessel was not visible on common tracking sites starting from January 22. It is believed that the vessel's tracking systems had been turned off. According to available information, the vessel was in the Java Sea off Indonesia on January 22.
However, further analysis by Adhadhu using satellite AIS tracking shows that the Chinese vessel was later at the EEZ of Maldives. The vessel had spent about a month near the EEZ.
Current location of the vessel.
The Foreign Ministry earlier confirmed that a Chinese vessel would be arriving in the Maldives. In a statement, the ministry said the Chinese government vessel is visiting Maldives for "rotation of personnel and replenishment."
It noted that the Chinese government had made a diplomatic request to the Maldives government for the necessary clearances to make a port call in Male'.
"The vessel would not be conducting any research while in the Maldivian waters," the statement issued on January 23 read.
According to the statement, the Maldives has always welcomed vessels from friendly countries and "continues to host both civilian and military vessels making port calls for peaceful purposes."
"Such port calls not only enhance bilateral ties between the Maldives and its partner countries, but also demonstrate the centuries old tradition of the Maldivian people welcoming vessels from friendly countries," it added.
Maldives continues to uphold international best practices and relevant international maritime law, the Foreign Ministry stated.
Details of the vessel
The vessel, which is about 100 meters long, was added to the fleet of China's State Oceanic Administration (SOA) in 2016. This is the only 4,500-ton vessel currently in China.
Since 2019, China has also been using the vessel to conduct "distant water" and "deep sea" surveys at China's Pilot Ocean Laboratory.
The vessel can also be used for studies on salinity, microbial genetic studies, underwater mineral exploration and underwater life and environmental studies.
The vessel has data buoys that can measure ocean currents, waves and important environmental information. These buoys will provide real-time satellite information to the Chinese government.
