China Plans Nuclear-Resistant Floating Island Set to Operate by 2028 Reporter Dewi Rina Cahyani November 22, 2025 | 05:46 pm TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – China is speeding up construction of the world’s first nuclear-resistant artificial floating island. The 78,000-ton semi-submersible platform is expected to be operational by 2028.As reported by NDTV, the project, officially known as the All-Weather Deep Sea Research Floating Resident Facility, has a displacement tonnage comparable to China’s Fujian aircraft carrier. “We’re racing to complete the design and construction, aiming for operational status by 2028,” said Lin Zhongqin, the academic leading the project. According to The Times of India, Chinese researchers describe the structure as a new “mega science infrastructure,” reflecting Beijing’s efforts to expand its strategic reach in the sea.Chinese Technological Achievement The platform is designed to accommodate 238 personnel for four months without refueling while sailing at a speed of 15 knots, enabling long-term operations across contested waters. According to scientists, the facility uses metamaterial panels that can absorb extreme forces.The panels are reported to be capable of turning “shockwaves into light pressure,” a key feature behind its nuclear blast resistance design.Professor Yang Deqing, who led a research team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, emphasized the purpose of the platform. “This deep-sea major scientific facility is designed for all-weather, long-term residency. Its superstructure contains critical compartments that ensure emergency power, communications and navigation control – making nuclear blast protection for these spaces absolutely vital,” said Professor Yang Deqing.The facility is expected to measure 138 meters in length, 85 meters in width, and stand 45 meters above the water’s surface. Engineers say the facility can withstand waves as high as 6-9 meters and Category 17 typhoons, the strongest classification for tropical cyclones.The contract signed in December 2024 between Shanghai Jiao Tong University and a Chinese state-owned shipbuilding company established the final design parameters.Utility of the Anti-Nuclear IslandUnlike conventional ships, which are dependent on fuel and supplies, this platform can operate continuously while supporting over 100 researchers engaged in deep-sea observation, equipment testing, and basic marine resource studies.Researchers also note that the project supports a broader “blue economy” in China, including deep-sea resource extraction and the development of ocean renewable energy.The floating island is expected to operate in areas possibly including the South China Sea, a region rich in minerals and biodiversity but fraught with geopolitical disputes.Although described as civilian, its design refers to the GJB 1060.1-1991, China’s military standard for nuclear blast protection, indicating potential dual-use capabilities.With its nuclear-resistant structure, long endurance, and ability to operate in open seas, this platform deepens China’s maritime presence and intensifies strategic competition in contested waters. Its tangible impact will become clearer after it begins operating in 2028.Ditya Rasyadiputra contributed to this articleEditor’s Choice: Which Japanese Products Has China Banned Amid Rising Tensions?Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News China Plans Nuclear-Resistant Floating Island Set to Operate by 2028 Reporter Dewi Rina Cahyani November 22, 2025 | 05:46 pm TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – China is speeding up construction of the world’s first nuclear-resistant artificial floating island. The 78,000-ton semi-submersible platform is expected to be operational by 2028.As reported by NDTV, the project, officially known as the All-Weather Deep Sea Research Floating Resident Facility, has a displacement tonnage comparable to China’s Fujian aircraft carrier. “We’re racing to complete the design and construction, aiming for operational status by 2028,” said Lin Zhongqin, the academic leading the project. According to The Times of India, Chinese researchers describe the structure as a new “mega science infrastructure,” reflecting Beijing’s efforts to expand its strategic reach in the sea.Chinese Technological Achievement The platform is designed to accommodate 238 personnel for four months without refueling while sailing at a speed of 15 knots, enabling long-term operations across contested waters. According to scientists, the facility uses metamaterial panels that can absorb extreme forces.The panels are reported to be capable of turning “shockwaves into light pressure,” a key feature behind its nuclear blast resistance design.Professor Yang Deqing, who led a research team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, emphasized the purpose of the platform. China Plans Nuclear-Resistant Floating Island Set to Operate by 2028 Reporter Dewi Rina Cahyani November 22, 2025 | 05:46 pm TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – China is speeding up construction of the world’s first nuclear-resistant artificial floating island. The 78,000-ton semi-submersible platform is expected to be operational by 2028.As reported by NDTV, the project, officially known as the All-Weather Deep Sea Research Floating Resident Facility, has a displacement tonnage comparable to China’s Fujian aircraft carrier. “We’re racing to complete the design and construction, aiming for operational status by 2028,” said Lin Zhongqin, the academic leading the project. According to The Times of India, Chinese researchers describe the structure as a new “mega science infrastructure,” reflecting Beijing’s efforts to expand its strategic reach in the sea.Chinese Technological Achievement The platform is designed to accommodate 238 personnel for four months without refueling while sailing at a speed of 15 knots, enabling long-term operations across contested waters. According to scientists, the facility uses metamaterial panels that can absorb extreme forces.The panels are reported to be capable of turning “shockwaves into light pressure,” a key feature behind its nuclear blast resistance design.Professor Yang Deqing, who led a research team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, emphasized the purpose of the platform. China Plans Nuclear-Resistant Floating Island Set to Operate by 2028 Reporter Dewi Rina Cahyani November 22, 2025 | 05:46 pm TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – China is speeding up construction of the world’s first nuclear-resistant artificial floating island. The 78,000-ton semi-submersible platform is expected to be operational by 2028.As reported by NDTV, the project, officially known as the All-Weather Deep Sea Research Floating Resident Facility, has a displacement tonnage comparable to China’s Fujian aircraft carrier. “We’re racing to complete the design and construction, aiming for operational status by 2028,” said Lin Zhongqin, the academic leading the project. According to The Times of India, Chinese researchers describe the structure as a new “mega science infrastructure,” reflecting Beijing’s efforts to expand its strategic reach in the sea.Chinese Technological Achievement The platform is designed to accommodate 238 personnel for four months without refueling while sailing at a speed of 15 knots, enabling long-term operations across contested waters. According to scientists, the facility uses metamaterial panels that can absorb extreme forces.The panels are reported to be capable of turning “shockwaves into light pressure,” a key feature behind its nuclear blast resistance design.Professor Yang Deqing, who led a research team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, emphasized the purpose of the platform.
Source: en.tempo.co
