July 17 saw China start building two underwater sightseeing export submarines to Thailand. This is the first time China exports suchlike submarines, which will also become the first of a similar kind owned by the tourist country Thailand.
Dalian Hanyun Submarine Technology Co, Ltd. is one among the builders having developed submarines on its own patents and intellectual property. The company has got approval from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), the world only shipping bureau that has submarine checking practices. Besides, the world top six shipping bureaus all expressed wish to cooperate with Hanyun, and export contracts have been inked between Haiyun and a Thai company at the beginning of this year.
The Thai government, paying high attention to the two submarines, sent under its prime minister's advisor a delegation of high officials on environmental protection, tourism and maritime affairs to the construction kickoff ceremony. They also exchanged views with Haiyun and ABS on technological issues, and expressed satisfaction over Haiyun's preparatory work.
The two submarines, when completed at the end of November this year, could hold 48 people and dive into a depth of 30 meters. With a world-advanced safety and life support system, the passengers could stay underwater for 72 hours.
(People's Daily July 19, 2002)
