According to recent reports, China has made a notable advancement in its Arctic operations by deploying five icebreaking research vessels simultaneously—a first for the nation. Leading this fleet is the Xue Long 2, China’s largest domestically constructed icebreaker, which set sail from Shanghai on July 5 and is currently navigating the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas near Alaska and Russia.
The exact destination of Xue Long 2 remains undisclosed; however, last summer it concluded its Arctic mission with a visit to Murmansk, Russia’s largest city in the region. In recent weeks, both U.S. Coast Guard and Canadian military forces have been monitoring its activities closely.
Joining Xue Long 2 on July 30 was Shen Hai Yi Hao, an advanced research vessel equipped for operating Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs). Owned by the China Ocean Mineral Resources R&D Association (COMRA), this vessel carries the Jiao Long submersible capable of diving up to depths of 7,000 meters. Shen Hai Yi Hao departed Qingdao on July 16 and is currently working alongside Xue Long 2 in Alaskan waters.
The Ji Di icebreaker has also entered Arctic waters after departing Qingdao shortly after Shen Hai Yi Hao on July 21. This vessel operates between Alaska and Russia in the Bering Sea; tracking data suggests it may be heading towards Canada’s Arctic Bay.
A fourth addition to this fleet is Zhongshandaxue Ji Di, which embarked from Nansha port on July 16. Previously utilized by Canada and Russia before being acquired by Sun Yat-sen University in 2021, this aging vessel has already completed one extensive voyage covering over 11,500 nautical miles last summer.
Additionally, Tan Suo San Hao—China’s latest icebreaker—entered service in December as part of efforts led by the Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Designed for year-round operations amid thick first-year ice with a Polar Class rating of four, it represents China’s commitment to deep-sea exploration using manned submersibles. Currently operating in northern Bering Sea waters before entering more challenging conditions further north raises questions about its scientific intentions following an incident earlier this year when it was spotted within Philippine maritime territory.
In contrast to China’s expanding capabilities with multiple vessels active simultaneously in polar regions—the U.S.’s presence remains limited—with only one operational icebreaker currently deployed: USCGC Healy. A second ship named Storis may soon join these ranks following its commissioning ceremony scheduled for August 10th in Juneau.
