China is moving ahead with one of its most ambitious maritime projects yet, a giant floating island designed to function as a long-term research base in the open ocean. The structure, which resembles a semi-submersible mobile platform, is expected to be fully operational by 2028. Its colossal size, advanced engineering and military-grade toughness have made the project a major topic of global conversation.
Mega floating station designed for harshest seas
The floating island is essentially a twin-hull semi-submersible platform, weighing an enormous 78000 tonnes. With an estimated length of 138 metres and a width of 85 metres, it is nearly the size of China’s largest aircraft carriers. The main deck will stand 45 metres above the water, giving it stability even in fierce ocean storms.
Engineers have designed the facility to operate far from shore for extended periods. It can host around 238 scientists, staff and crew for up to four months without any external resupply. This makes it ideal for long-term missions related to ocean science, deep-sea exploration, climate research, marine biology and even polar studies.
Inside the platform, there will be state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced communication systems, storage modules, living quarters, maintenance bays and observation decks. Its semi-submersible design keeps most of the structure below the surface, allowing smoother movement during high waves.
Built like a fortress
What truly sets this project apart is its durability. The floating island uses special ‘metamaterial’ panels, advanced layered structures engineered to absorb shock waves. This gives key sections resistance even to nuclear-level blasts, according to its designers.
China insists the platform is for civilian scientific research. However, analysts point out that its size, mobility and resilience could give it strategic value. The ability to station a large, nearly indestructible platform in contested waters raises questions about potential dual use, scientific on paper, but possibly supportive of military operations.
With full-scale construction underway, China’s floating island could soon become one of the world’s most advanced ocean research hubs and one of the most scrutinised.
