As one of the largest and best-preserved ancient wooden shipwrecks both in China and globally, the archaeological excavation of the Jiangkou No. 2 ancient ship has recently kicked off in Shanghai, drawing considerable attention. This ambitious project is bolstered by a state-of-the-art, multifunctional underwater cultural heritage laboratory archaeological system, providing comprehensive technological support from the moment the ship is raised to its eventual storage in a conservation dock.
According to the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC), this innovative underwater cultural heritage laboratory system, spearheaded by CETC’s Chongqing Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd., is a pioneering effort in China, boasting proprietary technology specifically designed for large-scale underwater archaeological projects.
The Jiangkou No. 2 ancient ship serves as a crucial piece of evidence illustrating Shanghai’s historical significance as a hub for trade and navigation in East Asia and beyond. The ship’s structure is substantial, with projections estimating the recovery of artifacts comprising a range of organic and inorganic materials, totaling potentially hundreds of thousands of items. To address the complexities involved, the Shanghai Museum has teamed up with CETC to integrate advanced concepts of preventive conservation and non-intrusive archaeological excavation into the project.
We spoke with Zhang Maocheng, a technical expert at CETC, to learn more about how this multifunctional laboratory aids in the excavation of the Jiangkou No. 2 ship. “Many of the artifacts are saturated with water and salt, with some facing severe corrosion and deterioration,” Zhang explains. “This presents significant challenges for their protection and restoration.” The laboratory system is equipped with three key components: a smart protective chamber that can be opened and closed, an integrated archaeological excavation platform, and a cultural relics protection laboratory. Together, these features address the diverse needs of excavation, scientific research, and emergency on-site preservation.
Upon entering the specialized archaeological workstation for the Jiangkou No. 2, one is struck by the facility’s resemblance to a multi-story building rather than a standard tent. The excavation area is enclosed by interconnected glass panels, showcasing the innovative smart protective chamber.
“This smart protective chamber is currently the largest multifunctional archaeological platform in China,” Zhang notes. It provides flexibility, transitioning from a fully enclosed state to an expansive 690 square meters of open space. The chamber is outfitted with high-precision monitoring equipment to track temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, microorganisms, and physical displacement, along with a unique low-temperature, high-pressure mist spraying system to optimize environmental conditions. These integrated systems also include security and fire safety features, enabling real-time monitoring and control of both soil and air microenvironments, which is essential for preserving artifacts in a semi-submerged state.
In addition, the chamber is equipped with a recording system that utilizes industrial-grade cameras to deliver high-definition documentation of archaeological processes. This capability not only supports future research by providing primary field data but also allows remote consultation from external experts when unexpected challenges arise.
The integrated archaeological platform enables archaeologists to perform essential tasks—like sediment clearing, artifact extraction, measurement, and analysis—without direct contact with the ground. “We’ve ensured that this platform supports rapid detection, analysis, scanning, and in-situ extraction of unearthed items,” Zhang remarks.
The contactless working platform spans 20 meters and can reach depths of 8 meters, providing a safe operational environment that protects both artifacts and the archaeological team. This design facilitates quick testing, analysis, location scanning, and the in-situ extraction of artifacts, with the capability to handle heavy items weighing between 10 to 20 tons without compromising safety.
Traditionally, artifacts that are unearthed are transported to distant laboratories for preservation and restoration, a process that risks altering their original conditions and complicating long-term preservation efforts. In response, the Jiangkou No. 2 ancient ship project includes a dedicated artifact protection laboratory, specifically designed to address these challenges.
Zhang elaborates, “This protection laboratory is equipped with monitoring and analysis instruments, treatment facilities, and imaging equipment, allowing us to assess artifacts for damage immediately upon recovery. This ensures we can implement appropriate protective measures quickly.” Furthermore, the laboratory captures ultra-high-definition documentation of various process details, including the textures of artifacts, to bolster long-term preservation initiatives.
