Core Viewpoint - Japan is planning to construct a new research vessel to enhance deep-sea exploration capabilities, addressing the aging of the current vessel "Yokosuka" and the need for advanced technology in marine resource development [1][2]. Group 1: New Research Vessel Development - The new research vessel will be equipped with various autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicles, including AUVs, ROVs, and manned submersibles like "Deep Sea 6500" [1]. - The Japanese government aims to allocate budget for this new vessel in the fiscal year 2026, with design taking 1-2 years and construction requiring 3-4 years [1]. - The new vessel will significantly reduce the time required for marine surveys and decrease the need for manual underwater operations, thus lowering personnel and operational costs [1]. Group 2: Importance of Deep-Sea Research - Deep-sea exploration is crucial for investigating essential minerals such as rare earth elements used in electric vehicle components, as well as for discovering unknown marine life and predicting trench-type earthquakes [1]. - The current vessel "Yokosuka," which has been in service for 35 years, is facing aging issues and parts supply shortages, necessitating the construction of a new research vessel [1][2]. - If the construction of the new vessel is delayed, there may be a gap in Japan's marine research capabilities, particularly affecting the operation of critical exploration tools like the "Deep Sea 6500" [2].

Group 1 - The sonar industry in China has over 690 active companies, with Guangdong province having the highest number at approximately 110 companies, followed by Jiangsu, Shandong, and Zhejiang [1] - Jiangsu province leads in effective patent applications in the sonar industry, with a total of 1,186 applications, indicating its strategic positioning and technological innovation in this field [3] - China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation holds the highest number of effective patent applications among companies, totaling 25, followed by Zhongke Tanhai (Shenzhen) Marine Technology Co., Ltd. with 21 applications [5] Group 2 - Zhejiang province has the highest number of sonar bidding projects, totaling 657, followed by Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Anhui with 492, 420, and 334 projects respectively [7] - Jiangsu province also has the most winning bids in the sonar sector, with 385 projects, followed by Shandong, Zhejiang, and Guangdong with 358, 283, and 195 projects respectively [9]

Core Viewpoint - The successful construction of a large domestic offshore oil platform marks a significant milestone in China's marine engineering technology and strengthens the country's energy security strategy [1][3]. Industry Summary - The global energy demand is continuously increasing, highlighting the importance of the ocean as an underdeveloped energy resource [3]. - As a major energy consumer, China faces challenges due to high dependence on foreign energy sources, making the development of marine oil industries crucial for energy security and sustainable economic growth [3]. Company Summary - The new offshore oil platform showcases China's innovation capabilities in marine engineering, incorporating advanced deep-water drilling technology, automated control systems, and environmentally friendly designs [3][5]. - The platform's production will significantly enhance China's self-sufficiency in offshore oil and gas, reducing reliance on imports and increasing the country's influence in the energy market [5]. - The platform's establishment will stimulate the development of related industrial chains, promote employment, and elevate the overall level of China's marine equipment manufacturing industry [5].