China built and commissioned its first Snow Dragon
An active participant in Arctic research, China has built and commissioned its first icebreaker. The ceremony took place today, July 11, in the port of Shanghai. The ship was named "Xuelong 2", which is translated into Russian means "Snow Dragon 2". Prior to this, the Celestial Empire used the ship Xuelong, acquired from Ukraine in 1994. For 25 years, the ship managed to make 31 expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
The new icebreaker, fully assembled in China and intended for research expeditions, was launched back in September last year. The vessel has a length of 122,5 meters, a width of 22,3 meters, a maximum draft of 7,85 meters and a displacement of 13,9 thousand tons. The maximum speed that Xuelong 2 can develop reaches 15 knots, and the carrying capacity is about 4,5 thousand tons. According to technical documentation, cruising range is 20 thousand nautical miles. Moreover, it can autonomously be in the sea for up to 2 months.
We should also note the design features of the new icebreaker. He is able to break ice up to 1,5 meters thick, both bow and stern, developing a speed of up to 3 knots.
Recall that the construction of the second model of the “Snow Dragon” began in 2016. Now, after commissioning, the new vessel, together with its Ukrainian predecessor Xuelong, will have to make an expedition to the South Pole, which should take place before the end of this year.
The new icebreaker, fully assembled in China and intended for research expeditions, was launched back in September last year. The vessel has a length of 122,5 meters, a width of 22,3 meters, a maximum draft of 7,85 meters and a displacement of 13,9 thousand tons. The maximum speed that Xuelong 2 can develop reaches 15 knots, and the carrying capacity is about 4,5 thousand tons. According to technical documentation, cruising range is 20 thousand nautical miles. Moreover, it can autonomously be in the sea for up to 2 months.
We should also note the design features of the new icebreaker. He is able to break ice up to 1,5 meters thick, both bow and stern, developing a speed of up to 3 knots.
Recall that the construction of the second model of the “Snow Dragon” began in 2016. Now, after commissioning, the new vessel, together with its Ukrainian predecessor Xuelong, will have to make an expedition to the South Pole, which should take place before the end of this year.
Information