Weihai, a coastal city in East China's Shandong province, has been ramping up efforts to fuel marine science and technology development to build a strong marine economy.

Recently, a research team from Harbin Engineering University completed a deep-sea project in the National Marine Comprehensive Pilot Zone in Weihai. The project is capable of conducting ultra-deepwater oil and gas exploration at a depth of more than 3,000 meters.

A research team works in the National Marine Comprehensive Pilot Zone in Weihai, Shandong province. [Photo/dzwww.com]

The National Marine Comprehensive Pilot Zone is an important test platform for the research and development of instruments and equipment for marine observation, monitoring and investigation, marine scientific research, as well as the promotion of the transformation of high-tech achievements and the development of marine renewable energy in China. It is a comprehensive testing ground integrating scientific observations, technical equipment tests, method research, and model tests.

The pilot zone is designed to attract domestic high-level research and development institutions, fostering a complete chain of "R&D – testing – incubation – talent training" to serve as a new engine for the scientific research, achievement incubation, as well as industrial transformation of marine equipment in China.

"The marine industry is now developing from mechanization to intelligence, and the pilot zone is playing a vital role in this process," said a senior researcher from Harbin Engineering University.

Weihai boasts a competitive marine economy. [Photo/dzwww.com]

"Weihai is a coastal city with competitive marine industries. Its coastline accounts for one third of the province. It is among the top in China in terms of marine resources, abundance indexes, and development conditions, as well as seafood output, number of brands, and marine ecological environment quality," said a local official.

Currently, there are 296 sea-related technology innovation platforms in Weihai. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Weihai will strive to maintain double-digit growth in its marine economy, with a focus on the manufacturing of marine electronic information and smart equipment, according to local authorities.