China's 13th Arctic Ocean expedition underway

China has launched its 13th scientific expedition to the Arctic Ocean, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources.

The ministry said in a news release sailors and researchers involved in this mission set sail onboard the Xuelong 2, the country's first domestically built polar icebreaker, from Shanghai on Wednesday. They are expected to travel nearly 15,500 nautical miles (28,700 kilometers) before returning to Shanghai in September.

The project will focus on the central section of the Pacific Arctic Region and the Gakkel Ridge.

Researchers will perform a host of tasks such as long-term observation of key environmental elements, geological and geophysical surveys of Gakkel Ridge, atmospheric, sea ice, marine and subsurface environmental surveys, as well as investigations of biomes, resources and pollutants.

In addition, the Chinese researchers will work with their peers from countries including Russia and Thailand on relevant projects.

The ministry said it expects the oceanic mission to boost the nation's research capabilities in fields such as the Arctic Ocean's environmental protection and marine pollution assessment, and will also advance its cooperation with foreign nations in Arctic exploration.

Xuelong 2 is 122.5 meters long, 22.3 m wide and has a displacement of 13,996 metric tons. With a maximum speed of 15 knots, or 27.8 kilometers per hour, the icebreaker can sail more than 37,000 km in a single voyage and carry out 60-day expeditions with 90 crew members and researchers.

Incorporating state-of-the-art design and advanced equipment, Xuelong 2 is capable of operating in any ocean around the world.

It is equipped with world-class oceanographic survey and monitoring apparatus, allowing experts to carry out research into polar regions' physical oceanography, biodiversity, atmospheric and environmental conditions, and also conduct fishery resource surveys.