Deepwater rig by 2010

Shanghai's Waigaoqiao shipyard is constructing the country's first self-made deepwater oil drilling platform. The rig, weighing 30,670 tons, has a maximum operating depth of 3,050 m and a maximum drilling depth of 12,000 m. The semi-submersible drilling rig is co-designed and constructed by the 708 Research Institute and Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co, both under the China State Shipbuilding Corp. The rig is scheduled for completion by 2010.

Nuclear plant delivers

China National Nuclear Corporation said its Tianwan nuclear power plant generated 4.3 billion kWh of electricity in the first four months.

Located in Lianyungang in Jiangsu province, the Tianwan project went into commercial operation last year. With two 1,060-mW pressurized water reactors using technology from Russia, the plant is now said to be the largest cooperative project between the two countries.

Science and technology fair

The 2nd China International Logistics Science and Technology Fair will open at the Suzhou International Expo Center on May 23 in Suzhou, Jiangsu province. Close to 1,000 domestic and overseas equipment manufacturers, service providers and purchasers are expected to participate in the three-day event. The fair is expected to attract more than 10,000 professionals from 28 cities at home and abroad.

Health insurer sees growth

DKV, a German-based leading private health insurer, expects China's health insurance market to triple to 120 billion yuan by 2015, as more and more companies and individuals seek out private healthcare amid a growing standard of living. Industry forecasts indicate that by the year 2010, health insurance premiums in the country will hit up to 60 billion yuan.

China Daily

(China Daily 05/07/2008 page14)