China’s scientific team returned Monday after completing a groundbreaking Arctic Deep Exploration, marking a milestone in polar research. The expedition used the Tansuo-3 research ship and Fendouzhe (Striver) submersible to conduct operations in icy waters. Departing from Sanya, Hainan Province, on July 22, the team conducted a 56-day mission in the Arctic Ocean. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Chinese Academy of Sciences organized the expedition.
Fendouzhe performed 43 successful dives, showing its capability for prolonged operations in extreme Arctic conditions. Additionally, Fendouzhe coordinated with Jiaolong, China’s earlier manned submersible, to complete joint underwater tasks. The two submersibles conducted searches, mutual positioning, and dynamic filming throughout the Arctic mission. Jiaolong alone completed more than ten dives in the Arctic during this expedition.
A major achievement was the first manned deep-dive at the Gakkel Ridge in the Eurasian Basin. The dive reached 5,277 meters, where sea-ice coverage exceeds 80 percent, and collected water, rock, sediment, and organism samples. The expedition also gathered observational data to support research on Arctic climate change and polar life adaptations.
Experts said the Arctic Deep Exploration validated Fendouzhe and Tansuo-3’s capabilities in heavily ice-covered zones. By pioneering a mobile “ship-submersible coordination” model, China became the first nation to conduct continuous Arctic manned dives. This achievement strengthens China’s position in polar research and technological development. Findings from the Arctic Deep Exploration will inform climate studies and polar ecology.
The expedition sets a framework for safer, efficient deep-sea operations in icy environments. Officials said the mission demonstrated China’s innovation and leadership in Arctic exploration. Researchers hope these operations will improve understanding of climate dynamics and foster global scientific collaboration.
