GUANGZHOU — China’s first multifunctional offshore engineering ship that can operate 3,000 meters under the water was put into operation on Dec 28, a major progress of China to proceed into the deepwater.

The “Offshore Oil 286” ship, built with an investment of more than 1 billion yuan ($163 million), belongs to the Offshore Oil Engineering Co. Ltd, an affiliate of China National Offshore Oil Corporation, the country’s largest offshore oil and gas producer.

The ship, 141 meters long and 29 meters wide, has a maximum loading capacity of 11,228 tons, and can accommodate to 150 crew members. It is equipped with a 400-ton crane to fulfill installing missions under the water.

The ship can undertake hoisting and pipe-laying missions and support underwater robot and diving missions. It can also carry out underwater equipment maintenance work.

The ship was built by the CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding Company Limited.