China’s expanding next-generation icebreaker fleet welcomes Jidi, its newest member

The country’s four icebreakers have made year-round scientific expeditions to the geopolitically important polar regions possible

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China’s newest polar research icebreaker Jidi will be “beneficial” to the development of China’s polar, deep-sea and long-distance marine science and technology, an expert said. Photo: CCTV

Published: 9:00am, 25 Jun 2024

China’s fourth polar research icebreaker was delivered to the Ministry of Natural Resources in Guangzhou’s Nansha district on Monday and was expected to be dispatched for research resupply missions later this year.

“Jidi”, which translates to “polar region”, is the latest addition to China’s next generation of icebreakers, alongside Xuelong 1 and Xuelong 2, which are tasked to support research and replenish supplies for the nation’s seven stations at the North and South Poles. It was designed and built by CSSC Offshore & Marine Engineering Company in Nansha, which is owned by China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation.

“In winter, the ship can sail in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea to break ice, conduct marine environment monitoring and sea ice measurements … and also manage ice area rescues,” Cai Ruimou, Jidi’s chief designer, told state broadcaster CCTV.

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In an earlier interview, Cai said the ship could break ice up to 1 metre (39 inches) thick, making it suitable for voyages in the Yellow Sea and the Bohai Sea, where ice usually forms first in the winter season and seldom gets much thicker than 1.2 metres. Multi-year ice can reach thicknesses of 3 metres.

The vessel will be used to conduct polar and deep-sea surveys over summer months, Cai said. It would also help improve China’s marine disaster prevention and mitigation capabilities, CCTV reported.

Jidi is the latest addition to China’s expanding next-generation icebreaker fleet, which has allowed the country to make year-round scientific expeditions to the geopolitically important polar regions.

The boat first debuted at the Guangzhou Shipyard in December and has since completed construction and undergone testing.