Xiangyanghong10, China's scientific research ship, embarks on her journey to the Pacific Ocean on March 18 from a port in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/zj.zjol.com] 

Xiangyanghong10, China's scientific research ship, embarked on her journey to the Pacific Ocean on March 18 from a port in Zhoushan, East China's Zhejiang province, which is the nation's 54th ocean expedition. 

The expedition, organized by the Second Institute of Oceanography of the Ministry of Natural Resources, aims to investigate the resources and environment of the Pacific Ocean.

Specific tasks include the polymetallic nodule exploration as clarified in the contracts between the International Seabed Authority and China Ocean Mineral Resources R&D Association and China Minerals Corporation, as well as a special investigation into the relationship between the global climate change and the air-sea interaction.

It is planned that the ship will spend 255 days on the ocean until late November, with the traveling distance expected to reach around 22,000 nautical miles. 

There are 195 scientists involved in the expedition. They are mainly from 25 units, including the institute, the China Ocean Mineral Resources R&D Association, National Marine Information Center and Zhejiang University, as well as four trainers selected by the International Seabed Authority from developing countries.

People wave goodbye to the crew of Xiangyanghong10 at the port in Zhoushan. [Photo/zj.zjol.com]