A agreement was signed by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH) and the Changhang Dongfeng Shipbuilding Industry Corporation in Chongqing which means China's first vessel for underwater archaeology has stepped into the stage of construction.

This 4.8-metre wide and 56-metre long boat with a displacement of 860 tones, to be powered by an integrated full electric propulsion system, is designed by the 701 research institute of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation.

It is said that the vessel will be used in China's coastal areas including the Xisha waters.