On May 8th, 2016, XMU launched its own scientific research vessel of the 3000 deadweight ton. The new vessel was named as ‘Tan Kah Kee’, in memory of our great founder of XMU, Mr. Tan Kah Kee. It is carrying dreams of all ‘XMUers’, and will certainly carry forward Tan Kah Kee Spirit.
The launching ceremony was held in Guangzhou Shipyard International Company Limited (GSI). Lots of distinguished guests attended the ceremony, especially from the Tan Kah Kee family. They are: Mrs. Wu Meiying, Mr. Tan Kah Kee’s daughter-in-law; Mr. Chen Liren, Mr. Tan Kah Kee’s eldest grandson.
At 12:55, as Mr. Zhang Yan, party secretary of XMU and Mr. Zhou Dusheng, general manager of GSI started the switch together; Tan Kah Kee sailed slowly to the vast sea, to the bright future.
“Today, generations of XMUers’ dream comes true!” said Mr. Zhu Chongshi, president of XMU, Zhu also emphasized, “A scientific research vessel is not only an important platform for ocean exploration, but also a strong support for marine scientific education and research. Combined with other platforms (Xiamen University Malaysia Campus, China-ASEAN College of Marine, etc.), this vessel will surely contribute to global changing research, promote marine educative, scientific and technological exchanges, and develop XMU and even the world’s marine education and research.”
Mr. Han Guangde, chairman & party secretary of CSSC Offshore & Marine Engineering (Group) Company Limited and GSI, spoke highly of Tan Kah Kee’s launching. He is convinced that on this advanced vessel, XMU will certainly add luster to the development of national marine cause.
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Specifications of Tan Kah Kee:
Overall length (Loa): 77.7m; Beam (B): 16.24m; Draft (T):5.2 m; Cruise speed (Ve): 11 knots; Designed maximum speed (Vmax): 14 knots; Range: 10000 nautical miles; Endurance:50 days.
The vessel has reached the advanced world level with comprehensive and advanced scientific research equipment and laboratories. It will not only be the first oceangoing vessel in XMU history, but also will be one of the main vessels for Chinese deep sea research in the coming decades.
Why the name Tan Kah Kee?
“We organized an online vote for the vessel’s name, Tan Kah Kee beated 8 other names with more than 70%’s vote,” said by Dai Minhan. President Zhu Chongshi also believed that this name reflects the generations of XMUers’ gratitude and commemoration of the selfless founder of XMU - Mr. Tan Kah Kee.
What characteristics does Tan Kah Kee have?
As chief engineer & deputy dean of COE, Prof. Wang Haili summarized the vessel’s characteristics: comparing with other scientific research vessels in the world at same level, the Tan Kah Kee is cleaner, quieter and greener.
Cleaner: uncontaminated sampling and analysis & special clean laboratory
Quieter: It is the first time for Chinese vessel to introduce Det Norske Veritas Classification. The electric & mute propulsion and various measures to reduce vibration and noise are adopted on Tan Kah Kee.
Diverse functions:
Due to the advanced marine monitoring equipments on the vessel, ‘looking for a needle in a haystack’ becomes never easier.
As an integrated laboratory on the sea, this vessel provides interdisciplinary (among hydrology, chemistry, biology, geology, geophysics and atmosphere, etc.) research facilities for real-time & simultaneous observation and long-distance data transmission.
Events of Tan Kah Kee:
March 31st, 2015
The construction ceremony was held in GSI.
November 26th, 2015
The keel-laying ceremony was held and block assembly of the vessel begun.
December 31st, 2015
The documentary Tan Kah Kee started filming.
May 8th, 2016
The launching ceremony was held. The vessel is expected to be brought into service by the end of 2016.