China’s icebreaker begins first sea ice research mission in Liaodong Bay

China’s newly developed icebreaking research vessel, Jidi, has embarked on its first oceanic survey in the ice-covered waters of Liaodong Bay. This mission aims to enhance the understanding of sea ice formation, improve marine weather forecasting, and support scientific research across multiple disciplines, as reported by CGTN, a partner of TV BRICS.

Jidi, which means "Polar Region," was launched in 2024 and measures approximately 90 metres in length and 17.8 metres in width, with a displacement of 4,600 tonnes. The vessel is designed for extensive polar and marine research, with a navigation range of 14,000 nautical miles.

This survey marks the first large-scale winter marine research mission, involving multiple research institutions and universities. The project encompasses sea ice observation, hydrology, meteorology, remote sensing technology, atmospheric chemistry, and ecological studies, including research on the spotted seal population.

The research team consists of 20 experts from 12 academic institutions. Their work will provide critical insights for ice-season navigation, offshore energy platform operations, and climate adaptation strategies in extreme weather conditions.

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