Construction of a new icebreaker will be initiated from the end of this year, to be completed in the next two years, Wang Hong, director general of the State Oceanic Administration, said at a national conference on Dec. 13. Upon completion, it will be China’s first independently designed icebreaker for polar scientific expeditions.

The new vessel will have a displacement of 13,000 tons, and the capability to work in frigid, icy waters. The bow and the stern will be able to break even ice thicker than 1.5 meters. It will feature advanced equipment and a GPS system, and will be able to cruise for 60 days without stopping.

Together with Snow Dragon, a commissioned research vessel, the new machine will contribute to polar exploration and research in China. The Polar Research Institute of China has signed a contract with Jiangnan Shipyard Group; the vessel will be delivered in 28 months.