PRC Research Vessels Nearly Double Survey Time Around Taiwan in 2026

From January 1, 2018 to October 9, 2026, Windward MIOC analysis of 52 PRC research vessels shows several distinct changes in where and how the fleet works.

The northern South China Sea’s share of fleet working time (slow-speed survey and station work offshore) rose from 22% in 2019–21 to 41% in 2023–25. China Geological Survey and academic vessels account for 78% of the added time, mainly over offshore oil, gas and gas-hydrate areas. This increase coincides with China’s 2019–25 plan to raise domestic oil and gas output.

In 2026, Effort Moved Toward Taiwan Jan–Sep working time within 300 NM of Taiwan rose from 3,862 to 7,411 hours compared with the same period in 2025, roughly doubling on both the Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines side and the mainland side, while fleet working time overall stayed roughly flat.

Near Japan’s southwestern islands, slow-speed working time rose about eightfold, and the vessels involved match Japan Coast Guard reports of unauthorized survey activity.

This story was originally published by Hellenic Shipping News. Read the full story at Hellenic Shipping News →