The island measures 138 metres long and 85 metres wide, with a twin-hull structure that can operate in rough seas and withstand extremely strong typhoons. (Photo: X/@peakaustria) China is constructing what researchers say will be the world’s first mobile, floating artificial island built to survive a nuclear explosion, according to a report in the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
The 78,000-tonne semi-submersible platform, described by Chinese scientists as a “far-sea floating mobile island”, is designed to support long-term deep-sea research. It is expected to enter service in 2028. The structure will accommodate up to 238 people for about four months without needing supplies, giving it a level of endurance normally seen only in major naval ships.
Researchers told SCMP that the design includes a rare nuclear-blast-resistant system. According to a paper by Professor Yang Deqing from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the facility is built for “all-weather, long-term residency” and must protect critical areas used for emergency power, communication and navigation. Yang’s team wrote in the journal Chinese Journal of Ship Research that nuclear protection for these spaces is “absolutely vital”, SCMP reported.
The island measures 138 metres long and 85 metres wide, with a twin-hull structure that can operate in rough seas and withstand extremely strong typhoons. Its mobility sets it apart from fixed research bases, allowing it to move at sea while supporting continuous scientific work such as deep-sea monitoring and equipment testing.
Lin Zhongqin, another senior academic involved in the project, told Chinese media last year that the team was “racing to complete the design and construction”, according to SCMP.
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The platform’s nuclear-resistant structure uses a “sandwich” panel made from metamaterials. SCMP explains that this panel is designed to turn a sudden shockwave into a slower, controlled compression, reducing the risk of structural failure. The researchers tested thousands of computer models to find the best shape and thickness for the metal tubes used within the panels.
Officially, the facility is listed as a national scientific infrastructure project under China’s 14th five-year plan. However, SCMP notes that its specifications refer to a Chinese military standard for nuclear protection, suggesting possible dual-use applications.
The floating island could operate in areas such as the South China Sea. SCMP reports that a mobile platform offers advantages over land reclamation, including lower cost, easier movement and fewer diplomatic tensions.
The project also supports China’s wider goals in deep-sea research, marine technology and resource exploration, as the country expands its capabilities in ocean science.
