China begins construction of first polar research icebreaker

China today started the construction of its first domestic-built polar research vessel and icebreaker in Shanghai city as part of a plan to give a boost to its polar research expedition efforts.
The vessel is scheduled to be completed in 2019, when it is expected to team-up with research vessel and icebreaker Xuelong (Snow Dragon).
Xuelong acquired from Ukraine is currently China's only icebreaker carrying out polar research expeditions.
Head of the Polar Research Institute of China Yang Huigen, said the move would improve the nation's capabilities in supporting polar expeditions and surveying the polar marine environment.
On completion, the new vessel alongside veteran Xuelong will give China's polar research more diversified services.

The new vessel will be 122.5 meters long and 22.3 meters wide, with a displacement of 13,990 tonnes and a navigation capability of 20,000 nautical miles.

It will be able to break through ice sheets as thick as 1.5 meters at a maximum speed of 3 knots and can accommodate up to 90 people, the institute said.
Yang said the vessel will be able to open ice on both its bow and stern, and is capable of sailing unrestricted in global navigating waters, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
Equipped with internationally advanced marine survey and observation devices, the new vessel will be an important platform for the nation to conduct polar research on marine environments and resources, the institute said.

Xuelong is currently on China's 33rd Antarctic expedition and scheduled to return to Shanghai in April next year.