Sri Lanka Navy not aware of Chinese research vessel arrival

COLOMBO (News 1st); India is paying close attention to a new Chinese marine research vessel, Shi Yan 6, which is expected to dock at Colombo and Hambantota deep sea ports in the Sea of Sri Lanka in late October 2023.

The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) said the vessels' arrival has already been planned.

However, the Sri Lanka Navy said that it was not made aware of the vessels' visit to Sri Lankan shores.

What is the vessel that India is so concerned about? 

A new Chinese marine research vessel, Shi Yan 6, is expected to dock at Colombo and Hambantota deep sea ports in the Sea of Sri Lanka in late October 2023.

The Shi Yan 6, a modern scientific research vessel focusing on geophysical exploration and seismic acquisition and processing, was constructed with an investment of $74 million.

The vessel has a length of 90.6 meters, a width of 17.0 meters, a depth of 8.0 meters, and a gross tonnage of 3,990, and is able to accommodate 60 crew members.

Its maximum speed is 16.5 knots, with an endurance of 12,000 nautical miles, and a self-sustaining capacity of 60 days.

Is the Sri Lanka Navy aware of this visit? 

Sri Lanka Navy told News 1st that it was not made aware of the arrival of the Shi Yan 6.

Sri Lanka Navy said that if such a vessel is to reach Sri Lankan shores, it should be made aware via the Ministry of Defense.

What process is the Shi Yan 6 following to reach Sri Lanka?

The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) said the vessels' arrival is part of an agreement reached with the Ruhuna University of Sri Lanka.

NARA officials said that it would link with the vessel in order to obtain water samples for its own research. 

The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency said the Shi Yan 6 was scheduled to dock in Sri Lankan ports before the COVID pandemic, and it was delayed multiple times.

NARA officials said that the Shi Yan 6 will engage in research operations ONLY along the Southern Coast.

NARA believes it would not be an issue for India.

What is the stance of the University of Ruhuna?

The Department of Oceanography and Marine Geology at the  University of Ruhuna said that it had sought permission for its researchers to board the Shi Yan 6, but there has been no response to the request.

The university said that the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency is mainly involved with the arrival of the Shi Yan 6.

What is the current position of the Shi Yan 6?

The Shi Yan 6 vessel had left China at 6:12 AM on July 6, 2023.

As of Tuesday (15) afternoon, the vessel was positioned in the South China Sea some 345 nautical miles away from Vietnam.

Over the past few days, the vessel had been reducing its speed in the area.

Earlier, China's high-tech research vessel, 'Yuan Wang 5', docked in Sri Lanka's Hambantota port despite Indian concerns, causing a diplomatic issue.

Sri Lankan lawmakers were among those who attended the celebration to welcome the 'Yuan Wang 5' to Sri Lanka.