China’s cable-laying beast dives record 36,089 feet to conquer ocean’s deepest trenches

China has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by developing the Haiwei GD11000, the "world's first machine capable of laying submarine cables at record depths."

The cutting-edge system can deploy cables more than 11,000 meters (36,089 feet) below sea level, making it suitable for the Challenger Deep, the deepest part of the ocean in the Mariana Trench, claimed Chinese media reports on Monday.

"Haiwei GD11000 could conduct marine scientific research 'at the maximum depth of all the oceans in the world'" said the chief scientist on the project, Li Wenhua, a professor at the university's marine engineering college.

The Challenger Deep, located 200 miles southwest of Guam, marks a critical maritime boundary. Until recently, cable-laying technology had its limits, with the previous depth record at 7,054 feet set in July by Italian cable manufacturer and installation service provider Prysmian.

However, Haiwei GD11000, an independent development led by Dalian Maritime University and domestic technology enterprises, has broken this barrier, ushering in a new era of underwater research and engineering, according to a South China Morning Post (SCMP) report. 

Haiwei GD11000: Testing the tough waters

The equipment completed its first significant field test in October onboard the Ocean Geology 2 research vessel, deploying cable 36,840 feet deep while conducting operations in the South China Sea.

By demonstrating its stability and operational ability, the machine also made it possible to use cable-controlled underwater robots for seabed inspection, sampling, and marker placement.

"This fully validated its stability and operational capability," reported SCMP, quoting a Dalian Maritime University press statement.

"The optical cable winch system – designed to deploy, recover, and tow large systems such as cable-operated underwater robots – serves as an indispensable piece of equipment for deep-sea resource exploration and development," noted SCMP.

Per the researchers, the Haiwei GD11000 is designed for more than meets the eye. The technology is a crucial tool for resource exploration in harsh seas and marine scientific study.

The ultra-thin cable, with a diameter of less than 34mm (1.3 inches), transfers more than 51 kilowatts of power, allowing for safe, efficient operation at working loads exceeding 15 tons.

Chinese military advantage and research support

The technology also holds strategic importance for the Chinese military.

"Being able to use the underwater trench could potentially give the Chinese military a way to break through the 'second island chain' – a strategic collection of Pacific bases forming a line of defense for mainland America," noted the SCMP report.

Wenhua noted that Haiwei GD11000 has a "speed of up to 120 meters per minute (393 feet per minute)." He underlined the machine's importance in advancing research at the ocean's deepest points.

Future deployments "will provide technological support for China's marine scientific research efforts and deep-sea resource exploration," the university stated in the press release.

The "China's first and the world's only all-depth optical cable winch system" marks a turning point in ocean exploration and the Asian giant's technological aspirations by pushing the limits of underwater engineering.