In the depths of the ocean, there is a pathfinder has pushed open the door to the unknown, steering China's manned deep-sea exploration into the vast blue. He is Zhen Hu—Deputy Chief Designer of the Jiaolong, Chief Designer of the Deep Sea Warrior, Deputy Chief Designer of the Striver, and researcher at the 702nd Research Institute of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited.
The "Jiaolong" Era: A Landmark Journey from Scratch
As Deputy Chief Designer, Zhen Hu played a pivotal role in the design and development of the "Jiaolong" submersible. He was instrumental in turning China’s first large-depth manned submersible from a blank slate into a trailblazing achievement—breaking the 7,062-meter depth barrier and catapulting China’s manned deep-sea diving technology onto the global stage with a stunning debut.
The "Shenhai Yongshi" (Deep-Sea Warrior) Journey: A Pivotal Leap Driven by Independent Innovation
As Chief Designer, Zhen Hu spearheaded the development of the "Shenhai Yongshi" (Deep-Sea Warrior) submersible. Leading his team to delve deep into core technologies and the localization of key equipment, he drove the domesticization rate to an impressive over 95%—laying a solid, reliable foundation for China’s subsequent development of 10,000-meter-class deep-sea diving capabilities.
The "Fendouzhe" (Striver) Leap: Leading the World in 10,000-Meter Deep-Sea Diving
As Deputy Chief Designer, Zhen Hu played a pivotal role in the Research and Development, and breakthrough efforts of the "Fendouzhe" (Striver) submersible. In November 2020, the "Fendouzhe" touched down at the bottom of the Mariana Trench at a depth of 10,909 meters—Signaling that China has stepped into the world’s leading ranks in the field of large-depth manned submersible technology.
This trailblazer, who has consistently scaled new heights in deep-sea diving, is now turning his focus to the cutting-edge frontiers of ROV/AUV/UUV As Forum Chairmen, he will make a prominent appearance at the ROV/AUV/UUV Technical Forum from October 22 to 24. Joining hands with numerous industry luminaries, he will delve into the future of deep-sea exploration!
Oceanology Asia 2025 (refer to OA 2025) will gather 200+ global marine enterprises and 5,000+ industry experts/representatives. 11 concurrent conferences include the The 2025 World Ocean Science and Technology Conference & OA Plenary Session.
Exhibition Dates: October 22–24, 2025
Exhibition Venue: Shanghai Convention & Exhibition Center of International Sourcing