The design for the ship－named Dream－is expected to be finalized this year, and
the 35,000 metric ton vessel might be launched around 2021. The Dream” will become the world’s third scientific drilling ship in active service after the JOIDES Resolution and Chikyu, both used by the International Ocean Discovery Program, a worldwide scientific endeavor. he Chinese craft will be able to drill more than 10,000 meters into the ocean floor, and thus will be tasked with conducting seafloor drilling for geological research as well as surveying and recovering methane clathrate, also known as natural gas hydrate or fire ice.”
CAS news release, April 4, 2018