On 18th March 2025, at the invitation of the Chinese Consulate General in Christchurch, members of the Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIA) South Island visited Xuelong 2, China’s first independently built polar scientific research icebreaker, which was docked at Lyttelton Port, Christchurch. The delegation included BLIA South Island Subchapter Senior Advisor Sally LIM, 3rd Subchapter Vice President Kong Hooi SAW and three other members.
According to the information provided, Xuelong 2 is 122.5 metres long, it has a displacement of nearly 14,000 tonnes and can carry around 100 scientific researchers and crew members. To navigate through ice several metres thick, the vessel’s hull is constructed with special steel. The thickest part of the outer shell measures 100 mm, which is 30% to 50% thicker than that of conventional ship plates. As a modern polar research vessel, Xuelong 2 is also the world’s first icebreaker with two-way icebreaking capability. This feature enables it to transport more scientific research equipment and supplies into Antarctica’s ice-covered regions and allows scientists to explore many previously inaccessible sea areas.
During the visit, the tour guides provided detailed explanations of the functions of each section of the vessel, the work undertaken by the scientific researchers, and the vital role of scientific expeditions, including studies related to global climate change, ecological environments and other scientific pursuits. Xuelong 2 is equipped with professional laboratories, transportation equipment such as a helicopter and mini-submarine, and a variety of high-tech facilities, including automatic positioning systems and advanced communication devices. These features enable researchers to conduct studies in oceanography, climatology, ecology and beyond.
BLIA members expressed their appreciation to the Temple and the Chinese Consulate General in Christchurch for facilitating the visit. Reflecting on the experience, BLIA member Zhang Qiang commented:
Visiting Xuelong 2 was a unique experience that showcased China’s advanced achievements in polar scientific research, environmental protection and navigation technology. Every section of the vessel reflects the extremely high standards required for polar research. Icebreakers are not only essential tools for scientific expeditions but also serve multiple purposes, including environmental monitoring. Every design detail has been carefully considered to ensure efficient operation in the extreme polar environment. This visit left me with a deep impression of China’s accomplishments and capabilities in polar research and exploration. I hope such advancements will continue to benefit the Chinese people and all of humanity.