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Chinese polar ship combines 15 MW propulsion, reinforced hull, and bidirectional navigation to support research in frozen areas. The project incorporates maneuvering systems aimed at operations in thick ice, with use in scientific and logistical expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctica.
The Xue Long 2, known as the “Snow Dragon 2”, is a Chinese polar research ship designed to operate in severe ice areas, with 15 MW propulsion, Polar Class 3 hull, and the ability to break ice from both the bow and stern.
Belonging to the Polar Research Institute of China, the vessel was built by the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai and is part of China’s structure aimed at scientific and logistical expeditions in polar regions.
According to Railotech, a Finnish company that participated in the project, the ship received a complete design package, basic project, and ice model tests between 2012 and 2019.
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Chinese icebreaker advances by bow and stern
Bidirectional navigation is among the main technical elements of the Xue Long 2, according to information from Railotech about the ship’s design.
Instead of relying solely on the bow to advance over frozen plates, the icebreaker was also designed to work in reverse, a feature applied when ice pressure changes navigation conditions.
This configuration is supported by two 7.5 MW propulsion units, totaling 15 MW and providing the necessary power for movement in thick ice areas.
According to Railotech, the ship can maintain an average speed of 2 to 3 knots while crossing leveled ice of 1.5 meters with a 20-centimeter snow cover.
Although this is a reduced speed compared to open sea navigation, this performance has operational application in regions where conventional vessels do not regularly advance.
In these conditions, a few knots can reduce the distance to a scientific station, a collection area, or a cargo transfer point, especially during missions with limited logistical windows.
The Polar Class 3 indicates that the hull was designed for severe environments, with structural reinforcements compatible with frequent contact against thick ice.
This type of construction aims to withstand impacts, constant friction, and lateral pressure caused by plates moving under the influence of wind, current, and temperature.
Dimensions of Xue Long 2 and 15 MW Power
Data released by the Polar Research Institute of China indicates that the Xuelong 2 is 122.5 meters long, 22.32 meters in molded beam, 11.8 meters in depth, a design draft of 7.85 meters, and a projected displacement of about 13,990 tons.
The same source reports an autonomy of 20,000 nautical miles and a capacity for 101 people, features associated with prolonged operations in areas far from conventional ports.
In the technical sheet from Railotech, the draft appears as 8.3 meters, a difference that may be related to different measurement criteria, such as design draft and load condition.
In addition to the installed power, the ship uses steerable electric propulsion of the Azipod type, a technology where the propellers are installed in rotating pods under the hull.
ABB, the system supplier, reported that the Xue Long 2 was equipped with electric propulsion and prepared to operate with low-sulfur fuel.
Unlike the traditional fixed-shaft configuration with a separate rudder, this setup allows for more flexible thrust direction during maneuvers in restricted navigation areas.
In ice-covered regions, the repositioning capability helps adjust the route when the bow encounters resistance or when a passage closes.
Floating Laboratory for Research in the Arctic and Antarctic
The Xue Long 2 was also developed as a scientific and logistical platform, in addition to acting as an icebreaker ship in polar expeditions.
The vessel has a structure for oceanographic and environmental research and support for remote bases in the Arctic and Antarctic, according to data released by institutions linked to the project.
According to ABB, the ship was designed with dry and wet laboratories, a large working deck at the stern, cranes, and a moon pool, an opening in the hull that allows access to the water below the vessel.
This setup allows for measurements and collections in frozen areas, even in situations where ice hinders external operations around the ship.
The moon pool allows instruments to be launched directly through the opening in the hull, reducing dependence on external procedures exposed to wind, intense cold, and ice instability.
Also planned for scientific operations, the working deck organizes the movement of equipment, supplies, and instruments between internal areas, cranes, auxiliary vessels, and launch points.
This arrangement is relevant in polar expeditions because the circulation of cargo and equipment needs to occur in low-temperature conditions and during limited operation periods.
Chinese Polar Fleet Gained More Logistical Reach
The commissioning of the Xue Long 2 expanded China’s capacity to conduct research and supply scientific structures in polar regions.
The Xinhua agency reported in 2017 that the vessel was designed to operate alongside the Xuelong, the previous Chinese polar ship.
With two ships available, the Chinese polar fleet gained more flexibility to combine scientific missions, logistical support, and ice navigation.
This combined use is important because polar expeditions depend on complex logistics and environmental conditions that can change in short intervals.
The closer a ship can get to a station or area of interest, the shorter the distance tends to be for transporting people, equipment, and cargo by helicopter or other means.
Railotech also recorded that the Xue Long 2 completed sea trials in May and June 2019, before the first trip to Antarctica.
According to the company, the design requirements were verified at this stage, with full ice testing planned for the next polar mission.
The ability to break ice in reverse is part of the operational concept described for the ship, along with the installed power, reinforced hull, and steerable propulsion.
In frozen waters, the combination of these resources expands maneuvering alternatives and helps maintain scientific and logistical operations in remote regions.
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