During the Spring Festival, the "Xuelong 2" is navigating the Southern Ocean on China's 40th Antarctic expedition. Meanwhile, after completing the unloading operations at the Great Wall Station, the "Xuelong" has commenced an integrated oceanographic survey and monitoring in the waters near the Antarctic Peninsula.
The polar research icebreaker "Xuelong 2". Image source: Polar Research Institute of the Ministry of Natural Resources
The "Xuelong 2" polar research icebreaker is China's first independently built polar icebreaker, capable of effortlessly traversing 20-meter ice ridges and easily breaking through 1.5-meter high ice layers and 0.2-meter thick snow. It is truly a formidable asset for the nation.
The seamless and stable navigation of "Xuelong 2" in the frigid polar regions can be attributed to its innovative hull design. The vessel features bi-directional propellers that can rotate 360 degrees, providing enhanced maneuverability in icy conditions and stronger capabilities for extricating itself. Additionally, the ship is equipped with dual-axis twin propellers, meaning it has two propulsion systems. Even if one encounters a malfunction, the backup ensures a significant reduction in risk.
With a total length of 122 meters and a displacement of approximately 14,000 tons, "Xuelong 2" can accommodate 101 people. In comparison to its predecessor, "Xuelong," it has a smaller displacement and a shorter hull, yet its icebreaking capability has been upgraded to PC3 level.
What does PC3 level entail? Internationally, icebreaking capabilities are classified into seven levels, ranging from PC1 to PC7. PC1 represents the highest icebreaking capability, while PC7 has the weakest. PC3, classified as medium-high ice class, allows for breaking 1.5 meters of ice with an additional 0.2 meters of snow at a steady speed.
"Xuelong 2" also holds the distinction of being the world's first polar research icebreaker to be awarded the Intelligent Ship notation. This technology enables real-time monitoring of the vessel's structural conditions, offering scientific decision-making support for navigating and maintaining operations in ice-covered areas. It serves as a systematic data platform, contributing to research on ice loads within China's maritime industry.
Designed and constructed specifically for scientific research purposes, "Xuelong 2" is equipped with physical laboratories, general laboratories, and a moon pool workshop. The physical laboratory serves as the core area for various ship-wide experimental equipment, which can be deployed as needed. The vessel is well-equipped for a wide range of research activities, including oceanography and geology.
Since the introduction of "Xuelong 2," China's polar research efforts have entered a new era of "Dual Dragons Exploration." The annual Antarctic research missions, which "Xuelong" has been undertaking since 1994, were previously fraught with isolation and significant risks. The collaboration of "Xuelong" focused on transporting supplies and personnel, while "Xuelong 2" took the lead in scientific research investigations. When navigating ice-covered regions together, "Xuelong 2" leveraged its superior icebreaking capabilities to clear a path for "Xuelong," thereby minimizing risks. The synchronized operation of these two vessels marks a significant advancement in polar exploration capabilities.
"Shuanglong Tanji" formation. Photo credit: Ministry of Natural Resources
Compared to the current generation of polar research icebreakers internationally, the "Xuelong 2" has pioneered a bidirectional icebreaking and submerged keel design in the realm of polar icebreakers. It's the first to employ smart hull and engine room designs, showcasing unique Chinese characteristics and achieving an internationally advanced status.
