Icebreaking ship for marine research delivered

China bolstered its marine research and disaster preparedness capabilities on Monday with the delivery of a new domestically designed icebreaking survey vessel, Ji Di.

The state-of-the-art research ship, built by Guangzhou Shipyard International, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corp, will play a crucial role in scientific marine endeavors.

Measuring 89.95 meters long and 17.8 meters wide, the 4,600 metric ton Ji Di can break through ice up to 1 meter thick at a speed of 2 knots.

It has a cruising speed of 15 knots and a range of 14,000 nautical miles.

Construction of the vessel, which can accommodate a crew of 60 for missions lasting up to 80 days without requiring resupply, commenced in November 2022.

Equipped with advanced marine survey equipment, Ji Di is designed for comprehensive observation and data collection of various marine environments. That includes sea ice analysis, three-dimensional water body studies, geophysical surveys and atmospheric monitoring.

The icebreaking capabilities of Ji Di extend beyond scientific research. Its reinforced bow means it can operate in the Yellow and Bohai seas during winter, allowing it to monitor ice conditions and perform rescue operations in icy waters.

The ship was delivered to the northern seas bureau of the Ministry of Natural Resources, which is based in Qingdao, Shandong province, and is in charge of managing oceanic resources in waters including the Yellow and Bohai seas.

Ji Di is also capable of engaging in scientific research expeditions in polar regions during the summer months.