THREE60 Energy supplied the specialist launch and recovery equipment used to support the Jiaolong Manned Submersible during its record-breaking dive to 7,015 metres (23,051 feet) in the Mariana Trench.
Operating from the mother ship Xiangyanghong 9, the system provided the controlled handling required to safely launch and recover the submersible during its deep-sea research programme.
Challenge
Operating a manned submersible at extreme ocean depths requires dependable handling equipment capable of safely transferring the vessel between the mother ship and the water.
The project required a robust launch and recovery system alongside additional equipment to support the deployment of scientific instruments used for seabed research.
Solution
THREE60 provided a hydraulically operated A-frame and launch and recovery winches to manage the controlled deployment and recovery of the Jiaolong.
The A-frame lifted the submersible clear of the water during recovery before safely returning it to the Xiangyanghong 9. THREE60 also supplied two bespoke winches for handling scientific instruments used during ocean-bed research.
Result
The system successfully launched and recovered the Jiaolong during its dive to 7,015 metres, which achieved a new world record for a manned submersible at the time.
The project demonstrated the performance of THREE60’s specialist mechanical handling equipment in one of the world’s most demanding deep-sea environments.
