China plans to build its first vessel capable of retrieving archaeological findings from the sea by the end of 2013, a major step to strengthening the underwater search abilities of Chinese archaeologists who currently rely on rented shipping boats.

The 4.8-metre wide and 56-metre long boat, to be powered by an integrated full electric propulsion system, will “basically” meet China’s underwater archaeological needs, according to a statement released by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage (SACH) on Wednesday.

Chinadaily.com.vn

(24/10/2012)