China’s first home-built icebreaker set sail on its maiden Arctic research expedition from Shanghai on October 9. Its initial voyage marks a new breakthrough in China’s polar research history.
Named Xuelong 2, the icebreaker was constructed by the Shanghai-based Jiangnan Shipyard Group. The vessel, 122.5 meters in length and 22.3 meters in width, has a draught of 7.85 meters and a displacement of 13,996 tons. It can cruise at 12 to 15 knotswith a range of 20,000 nautical miles. It needs to resupply every 60 days.
Together with its predecessorXuelong, it will improve the work efficiency of scientists and extend operations in the region.
With two-way icebreakingtechnology as its biggest highlight, Xuelong 2 is equipped with two 7.5 Azipod propulsion units, making it the firsttwo-way polar icebreaker in the world capable of ice breaking at both thebowand the stern.