China starts construction of its first “Made in China” icebreaker

On October 22nd, the contract of “polar research and exploration icebreaker” program was signed in Beijing. Many leaders including CHEN Lianzeng (deputy director of State Oceanic Administration), ZHANG Xiangmu (director of the Department of Equipment Industry), HU Wenming (president of CSSC), NAN Daqing (vice president of CSSC) and ZHU Kai (vice president of CCS) attended the signing ceremony. YANG Huigen, director of China Polar Research Center and XING Wenhua signed on the contract.

At present, the strategic structure of China’s polar exploration is mainly based on “One ship, four stations and one base”. As polar exploration is attracting more attention around the globe, the competition has become increasingly fierce. The only icebreaker “Xuelong”, which was bought fr0m abroad is unable to meet the challenges. This has greatly affected the progress of polar exploration. Therefore, the present situation calls for China to build its own polar exploration icebreaker. The newly-built scientific exploration icebreaker has the capability of bow-stern bidirectional icebreaking. Its structure strength meets the standards of PC3 polar class. The new vessel can continuously head forward with a speed of 2~3 knots in the polar ice area whose thickness is not less than 1.5m plus 0.2m. Besides, the ship will be equipped with deep ocean scan sonar system and cable or non-cable robots. The new icebreakers’ performance is at world’s leading level in its structure design, icebreaking capability and comprehensive investigation abilities.

MARIC has long been dedicated to providing stable, efficient, eco-friendly exploration ships for China’s marine engineering industry. It has designed many influential ships, such as “Facing the red sun” series research vessels, “Looking int0 the distance” series ocean and space measurement ships, “Ocean 6”combustible ice survey ship and “Science” research vessel. MARIC has contributed a lot providing modern equipment for China in ocean protection, maritime safety, scientific exploration and ocean development.