Xiamen University's top research ship, "Tan Kah Kee", docks at Xiamen's port after finishing its research mission in the South China Sea.

"Tan Kah Kee", Xiamen University's top research ship, recently docked at Xiamen's port after completing a maritime research mission in the South China Sea, Xiamen Daily reported.

During the 10-day mission, the ship conducted four major surveys, including testing and analyzing ultra clean trace elements, testing equipment for acoustic submarine positioning, and trawling for plankton and benthos.

Among the four tasks, the first one is considered the most significant.

In order to finish the task, the research ship was equipped with China's only water collecting system for ultra clean trace elements.

"Trace elements in sea water, especially Fe, Cu, and Zn, are vital for marine lives," Cai Yihua, chief scientist of "Tan Kah Kee",said. "The first-hand statistics obtained from this research can be helpful for analyzing such elements' functions in regulating climate and carbon cycling."

They also collected more than 50 species of benthos by casting nets in the deep sea.

At the beginning of April, "Tan Kah Kee" together with France's "Tara", renowned as a mobile marine laboratory, will be open to Xiamen residents and a series of activities related to marine science is expected to be organized.

During this year, "Tan Kah Kee" plans to sail directly to XMU's Malaysian campus, retracing the Maritime Silk Road.