The Tansuo 4500 self-contained robot submersible, developed at the Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, successfully completed a research project in the Arctic, as part of the 12th Chinese high-latitude expedition. Four research associates studied the Arctic shelf from aboard the expedition icebreaker MV Xue Long 2.
The successful underwater mission by the Tansuo 4500 in the high-latitude Arctic zone helped obtain important statistics for use in conducting additional in-depth research, for comprehending geological processes and studying multiple energy-and-substance exchange cycles near the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
This data will serve as a solid scientific foundation for actively involving China in Arctic environmental protection projects.
Due to the high density of sea-ice formations near the expedition’s operation zone, researchers developed an innovative method for obtaining soil samples from under the ice.
The method combines acoustic remote control and automatic guidance allowing the robot submersible to cope with certain difficulties caused by rapid ice-floe movements and a limited open-water section linking it with the vessel.
This made it possible to successfully complete several underwater missions in the high-latitude Arctic Ocean zone, covered with dense ice, and to safely return the robot to the icebreaker.
The robot managed to collect high-resolution multi-directional, hydro-dynamic and aero-magnetic data volumes that will form the mainstay of an advanced measuring technology.
This data will help provide insight into the topographical and geo-morphological specifics of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, its magma and hydro-thermal activity. Until recently, scientists made very little headway in studying these phenomena.
The Chinese Academy of Sciences developed the deep-water Tansuo 4500 submersible under a pilot strategic science and technological project aimed at evaluating substance-and-energy exchanges in the tropical belt of the West Pacific and their influence.
Prior to joining the Arctic scientific expedition, the robot submersible was adapted to the new environment and to high-latitude Arctic navigation. It was also pre-programmed to measure the seabed and to eliminate malfunctions.
Experts also tested the equipment in lakes and seas, so as to effectively prove the system’s reliability.
A group of Chinese scientists has started the 11th expedition to the Arctic region aboard the first polar ice-breaker Xue Long 2 (Snow Dragon 2) built in China, the Xinhua News Agency reports.
The vessel is expected to return from the voyage at the end of September. In total, it will have covered 12,000 nautical miles.
The expedition was organized by the Ministry of Land and Resources of the People's Republic of China. The expedition program includes a series of studies on biological diversity and ecosystems, acidification of the ocean and the chemical environment and new pollutants in the Chukchi Plateau, the Canada Basin and the central part of the Arctic Ocean.
They started building the Xue Long 2 at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai in December 2016. The ship was launched in September 2018 and put into service in July 2019.
Main characteristic:The ice-breaker has a displacement of over 13,900 tons and a maximum draft of 7.85 meters, it is 122.5 meters long and 22.3 meters wide and can carry up to 4,500 tons of cargo. According to the specifications, the maximum speed of the Xue Long 2 is about 15 knots. The vessel is designed to be able to break ice up to 1.5 meters thick, both at the stern and the bow, at a speed of 2-3 knots. The cruising range of the ice-breaker is up to 20,000 nautical miles and it can run autonomously for up to 60 days.
PAO NOVATEK delivered the first shipments of liquefied natural gas from the Yamal LNG project to China via the Northern sea route.
Xi Jinping's administration has accurately designated intentions of China to expand influence in the Arctic and to strengthen sea positions in the Arctic Ocean, having for the first time published the White book on policy in this region.
Recently Public oceanographic administration and National committee on development and reforms have issued joint "The concept of sea cooperation in construction "Belts and ways" (further — "Concept").
The multifunction sea transshipment facility of Bronk (MMPK "Bronka", Big port St. Petersburg) accepted on September 7, 2017 the Lian Hua Sung bulk carrier Chinese the SHIPPING SPECIALIZED CARRIERS Co COSCO company., Ltd. The Russian side represented by Federal Agency for Sea and Inland Water Transport (Rosmorrechflot), its subordinated structures and Federal State Unitary Enterprise Atomflot was engaged in safety of this flight, its icebreaking and navigation support.
Tags
Comments
