A US naval research vessel is currently in the Maldives.

The Ocean Titan, operated by the Pacific Survey Group, is anchored near Gulhifalhu, close to Male'. It arrived in the Maldives early this morning, according to vessel tracking sites.

Information collected by Adhadhu using satellite AIS tracking showed that the Ocean Titan began its journey on August 31 after being near Australia.

During its month-long voyage in the Indian Ocean, the vessel circled the Indonesian border. However, it did not stop upon entering Maldivian waters and headed straight to Male'.

Photo: Vessel Finder

Pacific Survey Group acquired the vessel in 2015. The vessel was launched in 1989 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Its name at the time was NOAAS Ka'imimoana.

The US government used the vessel for marine and meteorological research. It was also used for missions to repair buoys and submarine equipment.

The Pacific Survey Group maintains business relations with the US government and works on various projects. The company uses Titan for research purposes.

Meanwhile, Chinese marine research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 docked in Male' twice and skirted Maldivian territorial waters for three months early in 2024.

The Chinese ship arrived near the Maldives on January 29, 2024. The vessel docked in Male' for the first time on February 22. After heading back to the boundary of the Maldives' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) again, the vessel returned after a month and docked in the Thilafushi harbour on April 25, 2024.

Tracking data on the ship's activity shows that the Chinese vessel sailed within the Maldives EEZ on several occasions over the three months. The Chinese vessel entered several miles within Maldivian territory southwest of Addu.

The Foreign Ministry confirmed the ship's arrival following media reports. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the Chinese vessel was due to visit the Maldives for replenishment of stocks and the rotation of its crew. The ship is expected to have docked in Thilafushi twice for these purposes.

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 Mohamed Muizzu concluded his state visit to China.