This year marks the 20th anniversary of China Maritime Day and the 620th anniversary of Zheng He’s voyages to the Southeast Asia and West Africa. To honor and carry forward the spirit of maritime exploration in the new era and to showcase China’s advancements in maritime science and technology, the “Converging into the Sea – Xinhongzhuan Maritime Silk Road Cultural Tribute Tour” officially set sail from Dalian. Co-hosted by COSCO Shipping Group, Dalian Maritime University, and other organizations, the tour is part of the official 2025 China Maritime Day celebrations.

On June 16th, the launch ceremony took place at Dalian Port. Distinguished guests in attendance included Li Guoping, former Safety Director of the Ministry of Transport and Chief Advisor for the “Xinhongzhuan” maritime cultural tour; Zhang Yong, Deputy General Manager and Member of the Party Committee of COSCO SHIPPING Group; Xu Minqiang, Party Secretary of Dalian Maritime University; Shan Hongjun, President of Dalian Maritime University; Li Xinbiao, Party Secretary and Director of Liaoning Maritime Safety Administration; Li Shixin, Executive Vice President of the China Institute of Navigation; Cheng Xiaoze, Deputy Director of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of Liaoning Province; Ma Guodong, Member of the Party Committee and Deputy General Manager of China Communications Press; and Zhao Feng, Party Secretary and Director of China Maritime Museum.

On behalf of the University, Shan Hongjun extended a warm welcome to all distinguished guests attending the event and expressed heartfelt gratitude to alumni and friends from all sectors of society for their longstanding support of the university’s development. He emphasized that Dalian Maritime University remains committed to advancing the digital, intelligent, and green transformation of the maritime industry. Anchored in the integrated development of education, science and technology, and talent, the University is dedicated to supporting the high-quality development of China’s shipping industry. As the world’s first intelligent dual-purpose vessel combining autonomous navigation, remote control, and autonomous operation capabilities, Xinhongzhuan is a landmark achievement of the university’s role as a national pilot in building China into a transportation powerhouse. It also demonstrates DMU’s contribution to self-reliance and innovation in maritime science and technology at the highest level. He expressed his hopes that, in addition to fulfilling its scheduled testing and validation tasks, the Xinhongzhuan in this exhibition voyage would serve as a cultural ambassador—raising public awareness of ocean affairs, promoting maritime culture, and carrying forward the spirit of navigation in the new era. He concluded with a call for the vessel to embody deep respect for maritime pioneers and a collective aspiration for a world of smooth mobility and free-flowing trade, forging ahead on the journey to accelerate the building of a strong transportation, maritime, and shipping nation—and becoming a vanguard in advancing Chinese modernization.

Zhang Yong remarked that Xinhongzhuan—the world’s first dual-purpose vessel for intelligent research and maritime training—was jointly developed by COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry and Dalian Maritime University, highlighting China’s leadership in intelligent shipbuilding and autonomous navigation technologies. He emphasized that this exhibition voyage plays a vital role in promoting the spirit of navigation, spreading ocean culture, and inspiring young people to pursue careers in the maritime industry. Zhang affirmed COSCO Shipping Group’s commitment to continued collaboration with industry, academia, and research institutions. He expressed the hope that the Xinhongzhuan voyage would mark a new starting point for joint efforts to realize the vision of a “vibrant ocean” characterized by ecological harmony, smart technology, smooth logistics, openness, and cultural richness. Together, these efforts aim to offer Chinese solutions and make greater contributions to building a global maritime community with a shared future.

Li Shixin stated that the Xinhongzhuan stands as a benchmark for a new generation of intelligent vessels, not only driving breakthroughs in autonomous and zero-carbon ship technologies, but also offering a model for the integrated development of future “unmanned fleets” and “smart ports” through digital twin technology and intelligent decision-making systems. The vessel has truly realized intelligent navigation, clean energy utilization, and digitalized operations and maintenance—accelerating the global maritime industry's transition toward safer, more efficient, and sustainable practices. He emphasized that this marks a significant milestone in the advancement of green shipping and the evolution of intelligent navigation technologies. With this year’s China Maritime Day themed “Green Navigation, Striving for Innovation,” the launch of the Xinhongzhuan serves as both a powerful embodiment and a practical implementation of the theme.

Zhao Feng remarked that Zheng He’s voyages to the Southeast Asia and West Africa marked a pinnacle of China’s maritime achievements during the early stages of globalization, showcasing the nation’s extraordinary seafaring wisdom. These expeditions not only epitomize the advanced maritime technologies of ancient China but also offer valuable historical insights for China’s contemporary efforts to build itself into a leading maritime power. He noted that the China Maritime Museum has long been dedicated to telling maritime stories from across time and around the world, promoting maritime culture among the public. Looking ahead, he expressed hope for closer collaboration with COSCO Shipping Group and Dalian Maritime University to carry forward Zheng He’s maritime legacy, highlight China’s latest accomplishments in maritime development, and contribute fresh momentum to the building of a strong maritime nation.

Li Guoping and Xu Minqiang jointly unveiled the nameplate for the “Yu Hai Zhi Qi” Smart Ship Training Center. Co-established by COSCO Shipping Group and Dalian Maritime University, the center serves as a national-level smart ship training base. Taking the intelligent ship Xinhongzhuan as the carrier, the facility integrates cutting-edge technologies such as full-electric propulsion and the i-Ship intelligent system. This comprehensive onboard training platform combines education and hands-on practice, research and innovation, and technology validation. It can accommodate up to 30 trainees simultaneously, offering integrated training across navigation, engine operation, and electrical systems, as well as smart navigation and remote vessel control. The center represents an innovative model of university-industry collaboration aimed at cultivating talent for the intelligent shipping era and accelerating the transformation and upgrading of China’s maritime industry.

Shenzhen COSCO Shipping Digital Technology Co., Ltd., Dalian Maritime University, Shanghai Ship and Shipping Research Institute Co., Ltd., and Dalian COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. signed a framework agreement to establish an innovation consortium for the joint development of intelligent ship communication and navigation equipment, integrating industry, academia, research, and application. The agreement was electronically signed on stage by Xu Minyi, Director of the Office of Science and Technology at Dalian Maritime University; Rao Honghua, Party Secretary of Dalian COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry Co., Ltd.; Zou Wenfeng, Deputy General Manager of Shenzhen COSCO Shipping Digital Technology Co., Ltd.; and Zhao Zhigao, Deputy General Manager of the Intelligent Ship R&D Division of Shanghai Ship and Shipping Research Institute (SSSRI).

Captain He Qinghua announced the voyage plan and details of the upcoming exhibition tour. Yu Lei, Assistant to the President of COSCO Shipping (Hong Kong) and General Manager of Shenzhen New Century Company, presented the design concept behind the “Vibrant Ocean” themed hull wrap of the Xinhongzhuan and gifted a commemorative stamp album to Captain He.

During the “Maritime Legacy” session, Xia Guozhong—an esteemed alumnus from the Class of 1956, the first captain of the Yuhong vessel, former dean of the Nautical College, and recipient of the State Council’s Special Government Allowance—shared his reflections on the spirit of seafaring and his life experience via video message. He offered heartfelt encouragement to the younger generation. Dong Hua, alumna of the Class of 1980 and godmother of the Xinhongzhuan vessel, participated in an interview where she shared her impressions from touring the ship and the cultural exhibition. She urged students to carry forward the spirit of DMU and rise to the responsibilities of their era. On behalf of Xia Guozhong, Dong Hua presented the students on board with his treasured captain’s epaulets and cap badge from his time commanding the Yuhong—a symbolic passing of the torch of maritime spirit. She also tied sailor’s knots for the students, representing deep hopes for solidarity, resilience, scientific navigation, and unwavering patriotism.

At the conclusion of the event, Shan Hongjun and Zhang Yong jointly pressed the launch button, signaling the ship’s departure as its horn resounded across the harbor.

The cultural exhibition voyage is expected to last approximately 30 days, covering a journey of nearly 4,000 nautical miles. The planned route spans from Dalian (Liaoning), to Taicang (Jiangsu), then to Shanghai, Quanzhou (Fujian), followed by Haikou, Yangpu, Qionghai, and Sanya (Hainan). At each port, the vessel will dock for 2 to 3 days and be open to the public. During the voyage, a series of intelligent navigation experiments will be conducted.