Chinese marine research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 has returned to the boundary of the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) after docking in Male'.
The ship arrived in Male' on February 22. Tracking sites such as Marine Traffic showed that the vessel docked in Thilafushi on February 23.
The Foreign Ministry previously confirmed the vessel's arrival in the Maldives. In a statement released last month, the ministry said the Chinese government vessel was due to visit the Maldives for "rotation of personnel and replenishment." It is expected to have docked at Thilafushi for this purpose.
The most modern research vessel in the Chinese fleet at present began its journey to the Maldives on January 14, 2024, 24 hours after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu concluded his state visit to China.
Despite departing from the Male' harbor, commonly used tracking sites show the vessel's last signal near Hulhumale' two days ago. The vessel is expected to have turned off tracking systems, which it also did en route to Male' on January 22 when it was in the Java Sea off the coast of Indonesia.
Current location of Chinese research vessel. -- Source: Vessel Finder
Further analysis by Adhadhu using satellite AIS tracking shows that the Chinese vessel is now about 190 miles east of Fuvahmulah inside the EEZ of Maldives. Its direction is away from the EEZ.
The vessel also spent about a month traveling in the same pattern near the EEZ before docking in Male'. Research vessels typically sail in such patterns to conduct research.
In its statement in January, the Foreign Ministry said the vessel was due to arrive after the Maldives approved a formal request from the Chinese government for the vessel to dock in Male'.
"[...] a diplomatic request was made by the government of China to the government of Maldives, for the necessary clearances to make a port call, for rotation of personnel and replenishment. The vessel would not be conducting any research while in the Maldivian waters," the government revealed on January 23.
The Foreign Ministry said 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.
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.
