China's comprehensive marine research vessel Kexue, or Science, departed from the eastern port city of Qingdao, Shandong province, on Dec 3, for a 75-day ocean expedition in the seamount area of the Western Pacific, according to the Institute of Oceanology affiliated to the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

It marks the first time that Chinese scientific research personnel have carried out observations in the seamount's integrated ecosystem, with the expectation of exploring abundant fishery resources, said Li Chaolun, expert from Chinese Academy of Sciences. According to the schedule, the voyage is divided into two segments that will focus on the biodiversity and landforms of the seamount.

Costing $87.5 million, Kexue is China's most advanced marine research vessel, manufactured by the Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry based in Hubei province, and embarked on its first scientific mission from Qingdao on April 8th.

The vessel features world-class equipment, including a remote operated vehicle, a deep-towed vehicle, a rock drill and deep-sea exploration and sampling gear, said Zhang Xin, an associate researcher at the Institute of Oceanology.