First Chinese polar research icebreaker
Sketch of the new polar research vessel for China
03. August 2012
| Editorial staff Ship&Offshore
Finland-based Aker Arctic has been selected to perform the conceptual and basic design of the new vessel. The 120m-long and 22.3m-wide vessel with a draught of 8.5m will be equipped with advanced scientific equipment for polar oceans research, including marine geological and geophysical equipment, marine biological and ecological instruments. Fitted with twin azimuthing propeller drives, it will have the ability to break through 1.5m-thick ice at a speed of 2 to 3 knots, including multi-year ice. Accommodation will be available for 90 persons. The value of the signed contract is said to exceed EUR 5 million. The design time is expected to take seven months to complete.
