AN exploration ship heading for the west Pacific returned to Qingdao on the morning of Jan. 5.

    With 48 scientific research staff on board, the Kexueyihao set sail from Qingdao on Nov. 15 on a voyage of more than 8,300 nautical miles conducting oceanic research.

    The vessel was commissioned by the Institute of Oceanology — which is affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences — to complete oceanic research for the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

    The research crew was from 10 national science institutes and universities.

    (Li Hao, Zhao Di)