Data Map
Facilities on board the Snow Dragon
The 5th Chinese National Arctic Expedition is scheduled to last about two months with a journey covering about 17,000 nautical miles. The Snow Dragon was built as an ice – strengthened cargo ship but modified to serve as the research vessel.
The ship is 167 meters long and close to 25 meters wide. It can break through more than 1 meter of ice, including 20 centimeters of snow while sailing with the speed of 1, 5 knots continuously.
The Snow Dragon was greatly equipped with advanced systems for self – contained navigation and weather observation. Those are the qualities extremely important for the Arctic marine expeditions.
Facilities established to serve the scientific research are to include the data processing centre and seven different laboratories, operational freezing equipment to store samples, low temperature cultivation room and a hallow – section device of EK-500 model.
What is more, the Xuelong is equipped with three operating boats and a helicopter for transportation purposes.
Beside science – purposed equipment, the Chinese research ice – breaker features numerous leisure facilities. There is an on – board library which consists of both scientific and fiction publication in Chinese and English.
To get the pulse racing and adrenalin pumping the excursion's participants have an opportunity to use on board gym facilities. For those who want to challenge a body and strengthen the mind outside of the working hours, there are playing field and swimming pool.
To receive even more enjoyment and remain healthier during the expedition, researchers are provided with dry sauna facilities.
The Snow Dragon comes to Reykjavik in the middle of next month. After short visit in the capital city of Iceland it will sail up north to Akureyri, where for five days will be available for sightseeing.
China is now designing a new research ice – breaker to be launched in 2012. It will be equipped with the most advanced appliances for marine research. The icebreaker will be even stronger and larger than the Xuelong, to be able to face the Arctic ice conditions.
The information about other on – board facilities are not certain yet, but we look forward to find out about the holistic interior design.
