Recently, the ice-breaking research vessel “JI DI” of the Beihai Bureau of the Ministry of Natural Resources, was successfully docked at CSSC Guangzhou Shipyard International Company Limited. It was constructed and surveyed by China Classification Society (CCS). Han Xuechao, Deputy General Manager of CCS Guangzhou Branch, was invited to attend the undocking ceremony.

Previously, CCTV news reporters have walked into the production base of CSSC Guangzhou Shipyard International Company Limited, where they happened to catch the scene that a CCS surveyor is carrying out hull's main dimensions measurement of this research vessel, generally speaking, it means creating an “ID card” for ships.

The CCS surveyors told reporters that measuring the main dimensions of the ship, namely the length, width, and depth, is equivalent to the ID card of the ship. After scientific and rigorous measurement and calculation by the ship surveyors, the identity information of “JI DI” ship is as follows: 89m long, 17.8m wide, and 8.2m deep, having the ability to navigate in unlimited navigation areas worldwide, displacement of 5,600t, voyage of 26,000km, with a single supply to ensure that all 60 people on board can live at sea for more than 80 days.

“JI DI” is a new- generation polar navigation icebreaking research vessel, which has additional markings such as PC6, ACC-POLAR (-30 ℃) and NOISE 2. The ship has a docking period of takes 55, and the hull was made in 23 days. CCS has actively built a construction—product—drawing review communication platform to provide technical support for shipyards to solve the problems in purchasing the equipment that meets polar cold protection requirement.

As a comprehensive research vessel with low underwater radiation noise, “JI DI” vessel is of great significance for improving China’s early warning and monitoring level of sea ice disasters, enhancing China’s comprehensive marine investigation capabilities to respond to global climate change, which will also play an important role in promoting national polar strategies including the construction of the “Ice Silk Road”.

So, what are the capabilities and uniqueness of the “JI DI” ice-breaking research ship? What is the difference between it and the previously polar expedition vessels “Xuelong” and “Xuelong 2”?

During the design and construction process, this ship fully drew on the experience of the “Xuelong” and “Xuelong 2”, reflecting the ship design concept of being small and exquisite, small and beautiful, as well as small and unique.

The biggest highlight of the “JI DI” ice-breaking research vessel is its localization and unmanned operation. The integrated scientific research model of “space—sky—sea—ice—submarine” has provided a broader exploration space to scientists.