Chinese launches deep-sea icebreaker to help forge path in research and Arctic influence

As China asserts itself as a “near-Arctic power”, it has launched its first icebreaker ship capable of scientific and archaeological research in deep and distant seas that can support crewed deep dives in icy regions, according to state media.

The independently-built multifunctional research vessel Tan Suo San Hao (Explorer 3) was launched on Thursday to conduct crewed deep-sea operations in polar areas and boost Beijing’s technological self-reliance and oceanic research capabilities amid its growing polar exploration ambitions.

It would allow China to be only the second country after Russia to send researchers to the deep polar seabeds for scientific exploration. In addition to human exploration, the Tan Suo San Hao will have aquatic drones for deep-sea scientific activities.

The ship was independently designed and built by Chinese engineers, who broke through key technological bottlenecks that had been controlled by foreign countries, including key design technologies for ice-capable vessels and intelligent ship control technologies, according to state broadcaster CCTV.

State media outlet Xinhua said: “It will expand China’s manned deep-sea capabilities from just deep-sea depths to all marine areas, effectively enhancing China’s capacity for deep-sea archaeological work”.

Other Chinese vessels that can access the interior of polar regions, such as Xuelong 1 and Xuelong 2, do not support crewed deep-sea submersible activities. And Tan Suo Er Hao (Explorer 2) can carry manned submersibles but is not an icebreaker.

China is moving to expand its footprint and influence in the polar regions with shipping and research. Its push is also in keeping with Beijing’s goal of building a science superpower and boosting self-reliance amid rising tech and resource competitions with rivals, particularly the United States.