China’s Arctic deep dive mission concluded successfully on Monday, marking a major milestone in the nation’s deep-sea scientific capabilities. The mission showcased China’s ability to conduct complex manned expeditions under extreme Arctic conditions while advancing global oceanographic research.
The Arctic deep dive expedition featured the Tan Suo San Hao, China’s first research ship designed for global deep-sea exploration. The vessel carried the Fendouzhe submersible, which completed 43 dives in Arctic waters. The mission was organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, highlighting China’s growing commitment to marine science.
During the 56-day operation, the Fendouzhe worked alongside the Jiaolong submersible, introducing China’s first dual-submersible collaborative exploration model. This innovation enabled synchronized underwater missions that improved data collection and efficiency in challenging icy environments.
The Jiaolong team also achieved a significant feat with China’s first ice-zone dive in the Arctic. Working together, both teams conducted the world’s first manned deep-sea exploration of the Gakkel Ridge in the central Arctic basin. The crew reached a depth of 5,277 meters while operating in an area where sea ice coverage exceeded 80 percent.
Moreover, the mission pioneered a “ship-submersible collaborative” approach that enables continuous operations in thickly iced waters. This breakthrough has made China the only nation currently capable of sustained manned deep-diving missions in the Arctic.
Throughout the Arctic deep dive, the team collected samples of water, sediment, rocks, and marine organisms. Researchers also gathered valuable environmental data to support studies on rapid Arctic climate changes and their global impact.
Officials from the expedition emphasized that the findings will enhance understanding of deep-sea ecosystems and provide insights into climate dynamics. Experts expect the results to strengthen China’s scientific influence in polar research and foster future international cooperation.
As the expedition team returned home, China reaffirmed its commitment to exploring and protecting polar environments. The Arctic deep dive demonstrated not only technological advancement but also China’s determination to contribute to global climate and marine science.
