67th Japanese Antarctic observation team

67th Japanese Antarctic observation team

Members of the 67th Japanese Antarctic observation team pose for a photo at Narita airport near Tokyo on Dec. 4, 2025, before flying to Perth, Australia. The icebreaker Shirase carrying the members will depart a local Australian port on Dec. 8, reaching Japan's Syowa Station in the Antarctic in early January. (Photo by accompanying journalist)

JCG's oldest patrol boat retires

JCG's oldest patrol boat retires

A ceremony to decommission the Japan Coast Guard's oldest active patrol vessel, the icebreaker Soya, is held in Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Nov. 12, 2025, after 47 years in operation. The 3,100-ton ship traveled about 1.91 million kilometers, equivalent to 48 trips around the Earth, and rescued over 1,450 people in more than 600 shipwreck cases.

JCG's oldest patrol boat retires

JCG's oldest patrol boat retires

A ceremony to decommission the Japan Coast Guard's oldest active patrol vessel, the icebreaker Soya, is held in Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Nov. 12, 2025, after 47 years in operation. The 3,100-ton ship traveled about 1.91 million kilometers, equivalent to 48 trips around the Earth, and rescued over 1,450 people in more than 600 shipwreck cases.

JCG's oldest patrol boat retires

JCG's oldest patrol boat retires

The icebreaker Soya's logo is painted over as a ceremony to decommission the ship, the Japan Coast Guard's oldest active patrol vessel, is held in Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Nov. 12, 2025, after 47 years in operation. The 3,100-ton ship traveled about 1.91 million kilometers, equivalent to 48 trips around the Earth, and rescued over 1,450 people in more than 600 shipwreck cases.

JCG's oldest patrol boat retires

JCG's oldest patrol boat retires

A ceremony to decommission the Japan Coast Guard's oldest active patrol vessel, the icebreaker Soya, is held in Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Nov. 12, 2025, after 47 years in operation. The 3,100-ton ship traveled about 1.91 million kilometers, equivalent to 48 trips around the Earth, and rescued over 1,450 people in more than 600 shipwreck cases.

JCG's oldest patrol boat retires

JCG's oldest patrol boat retires

A ceremony to decommission the Japan Coast Guard's oldest active patrol vessel, the icebreaker Soya, is held in Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Nov. 12, 2025, after 47 years in operation. The 3,100-ton ship traveled about 1.91 million kilometers, equivalent to 48 trips around the Earth, and rescued over 1,450 people in more than 600 shipwreck cases.

JCG's oldest patrol boat departs for final voyage

JCG's oldest patrol boat departs for final voyage

The Japan Coast Guard's oldest active patrol vessel, the icebreaker Soya, departs from its home port of Kushiro in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Nov. 4, 2025, for its final voyage after 47 years in operation. The 3,100-ton ship will be decommissioned on Nov. 12 after traveling about 1.91 million kilometers, equivalent to 48 trips around the Earth

JCG's oldest patrol boat departs for final voyage

JCG's oldest patrol boat departs for final voyage

The Japan Coast Guard's oldest active patrol vessel, the icebreaker Soya, departs from its home port of Kushiro in Hokkaido, northern Japan, on Nov. 4, 2025, for its final voyage after 47 years in operation. The 3,100-ton ship will be decommissioned on Nov. 12 after traveling about 1.91 million kilometers, equivalent to 48 trips around the Earth.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb (right) and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo during press conference at the Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C on October 9, 2025 after meeting with President of the United States Donald Trump. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb (right) and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo during press conference at the Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C on October 9, 2025 after meeting with President of the United States Donald Trump. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb (right) and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo during press conference at the Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C on October 9, 2025 after meeting with President of the United States Donald Trump. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb (right) and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo during press conference at the Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C on October 9, 2025 after meeting with President of the United States Donald Trump. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb (right) and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo during press conference at the Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C on October 9, 2025 after meeting with President of the United States Donald Trump. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb (right) and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo during press conference at the Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C on October 9, 2025 after meeting with President of the United States Donald Trump. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb (right) and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo during press conference at the Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C on October 9, 2025 after meeting with President of the United States Donald Trump. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb (right) and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo during press conference at the Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C on October 9, 2025 after meeting with President of the United States Donald Trump. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb (middle) and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo (right) leaving after the press conference at the Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C on October 9, 2025 after meeting with President of the United States Donald Trump. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb (right) and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo during press conference at the Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C on October 9, 2025 after meeting with President of the United States Donald Trump. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo during press conference with President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb (not in pic) at the Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C on October 9, 2025 after meeting with President of the United States Donald Trump. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb (right) and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo during press conference at the Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C on October 9, 2025 after meeting with President of the United States Donald Trump. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb (right) and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo during press conference at the Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C on October 9, 2025 after meeting with President of the United States Donald Trump. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb (right) and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo during press conference at the Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C on October 9, 2025 after meeting with President of the United States Donald Trump. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb (right) and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo during press conference at the Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C on October 9, 2025 after meeting with President of the United States Donald Trump. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb (right) and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo during press conference at the Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C on October 9, 2025 after meeting with President of the United States Donald Trump. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb (right) and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo during press conference at the Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C on October 9, 2025 after meeting with President of the United States Donald Trump. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb (right) and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo during press conference at the Finnish Embassy in Washington D.C on October 9, 2025 after meeting with President of the United States Donald Trump. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb met with President of the United States Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on October 9, 2025. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo met with President of the United States Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on October 9, 2025. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb met with President of the United States Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on October 9, 2025. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb met with President of the United States Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on October 9, 2025. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo (L) met with President of the United States Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on October 9, 2025. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo (L) met with President of the United States Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on October 9, 2025. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb and Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo (L) met with President of the United States Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on October 9, 2025. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President Stubb and Prime Minister Orpo visit Washington D.C.

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb met with President of the United States Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on October 9, 2025. Finland and the United States are set to make an icebreaker deal. LEHTIKUVA / UWA IDUOZEE - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Uwa Iduozee/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

Scientific expedition team members retrieve a benthic lander while conducting scientific research in the Arctic Ocean aboard China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2, Aug. 14, 2025. China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, arrived in Shanghai on Friday, marking the completion of the country's hitherto largest Arctic Ocean scientific expedition. A total of 100 members of China's 15th Arctic Ocean scientific expedition were aboard the vessel. Organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, this round of Arctic survey was jointly carried out by four vessels, including Xuelong 2, Jidi, Shenhai-1 and Tansuo-3. This Arctic expedition has further enhanced China's understanding of the rapid changes in the Arctic Ocean and their impacts, providing important support for a deeper understanding and effective response to global climate change, according to the researchers. Photo by Xinhua/Liu Shiping/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

A drone photo taken on Aug. 5, 2025 shows China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2 breaking the ice to lead the way in the Arctic Ocean. China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, arrived in Shanghai on Friday, marking the completion of the country's hitherto largest Arctic Ocean scientific expedition. During the expedition, the Xuelong 2 and Jidi vessels completed comprehensive marine environment surveys and manned deep-sea diving support tasks in the Chukchi sea plateau, the Canada Basin and the central region of the Arctic Ocean. Photo by Xinhua/Liu Shiping/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

China's manned deep-sea submersible Jiaolong is about to leave its mothership Shenhai Yihao (DeepSea No. 1) in the Arctic Ocean, Aug. 6, 2025. China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, arrived in Shanghai on Friday, marking the completion of the country's hitherto largest Arctic Ocean scientific expedition. During the expedition, the Xuelong 2 and Jidi vessels completed comprehensive marine environment surveys and manned deep-sea diving support tasks in the Chukchi sea plateau, the Canada Basin and the central region of the Arctic Ocean. Photo by Xinhua/Liu Shiping/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

The scientific expedition team members deploy ice-based buoys in the high-latitude waters of the Arctic Ocean, Aug. 25, 2025. China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, arrived in Shanghai on Friday, marking the completion of the country's hitherto largest Arctic Ocean scientific expedition. A total of 100 members of China's 15th Arctic Ocean scientific expedition were aboard the vessel. Organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, this round of Arctic survey was jointly carried out by four vessels, including Xuelong 2, Jidi, Shenhai-1 and Tansuo-3. This Arctic expedition has further enhanced China's understanding of the rapid changes in the Arctic Ocean and their impacts, providing important support for a deeper understanding and effective response to global climate change, according to the researchers. Photo by Xinhua/Liu Shiping/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

A Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth (CTD) sensor is retrieved to China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2, Sept. 8, 2025. China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, arrived in Shanghai on Friday, marking the completion of the country's hitherto largest Arctic Ocean scientific expedition. A total of 100 members of China's 15th Arctic Ocean scientific expedition were aboard the vessel. Organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, this round of Arctic survey was jointly carried out by four vessels, including Xuelong 2, Jidi, Shenhai-1 and Tansuo-3. This Arctic expedition has further enhanced China's understanding of the rapid changes in the Arctic Ocean and their impacts, providing important support for a deeper understanding and effective response to global climate change, according to the researchers. Photo by Xinhua/Liu Shiping/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

China's manned deep-sea submersible Jiaolong leaves its mothership Shenhai Yihao (DeepSea No. 1) and dives in the Arctic Ocean, Aug. 6, 2025. China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, arrived in Shanghai on Friday, marking the completion of the country's hitherto largest Arctic Ocean scientific expedition. During the expedition, the Xuelong 2 and Jidi vessels completed comprehensive marine environment surveys and manned deep-sea diving support tasks in the Chukchi sea plateau, the Canada Basin and the central region of the Arctic Ocean. Photo by Xinhua/Liu Shiping/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

China's manned deep-sea submersible Jiaolong is about to dive in the Arctic Ocean, Aug. 6, 2025. China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, arrived in Shanghai on Friday, marking the completion of the country's hitherto largest Arctic Ocean scientific expedition. During the expedition, the Xuelong 2 and Jidi vessels completed comprehensive marine environment surveys and manned deep-sea diving support tasks in the Chukchi sea plateau, the Canada Basin and the central region of the Arctic Ocean. Photo by Xinhua/Liu Shiping/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

A drone photo taken on Sept. 26, 2025 shows China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2 berthed at a dock in Shanghai, east China, Sept. 26, 2025. China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, arrived in Shanghai on Friday, marking the completion of the country's hitherto largest Arctic Ocean scientific expedition. A total of 100 members of China's 15th Arctic Ocean scientific expedition were aboard the vessel. Organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, this round of Arctic survey was jointly carried out by four vessels, including Xuelong 2, Jidi, Shenhai-1 and Tansuo-3. This Arctic expedition has further enhanced China's understanding of the rapid changes in the Arctic Ocean and their impacts, providing important support for a deeper understanding and effective response to global climate change, according to the researchers. Photo by Xinhua/Liu Shiping/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

This photo taken on Aug. 6, 2025 shows China's manned deep-sea submersible Jiaolong returned to the surface from the bottom of the sea in the Arctic Ocean. China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, arrived in Shanghai on Friday, marking the completion of the country's hitherto largest Arctic Ocean scientific expedition. During the expedition, the Xuelong 2 and Jidi vessels completed comprehensive marine environment surveys and manned deep-sea diving support tasks in the Chukchi sea plateau, the Canada Basin and the central region of the Arctic Ocean. Photo by Xinhua/Liu Shiping/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

A drone photo taken on July 24, 2025 shows China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2 conducting scientific research in the Arctic Ocean. China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, arrived in Shanghai on Friday, marking the completion of the country's hitherto largest Arctic Ocean scientific expedition. A total of 100 members of China's 15th Arctic Ocean scientific expedition were aboard the vessel. Organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, this round of Arctic survey was jointly carried out by four vessels, including Xuelong 2, Jidi, Shenhai-1 and Tansuo-3. This Arctic expedition has further enhanced China's understanding of the rapid changes in the Arctic Ocean and their impacts, providing important support for a deeper understanding and effective response to global climate change, according to the researchers. Photo by Xinhua/Liu Shiping/ABACAPRESS.COM

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition

This photo taken on Aug. 6, 2025 shows China's manned deep-sea submersible Jiaolong diving in the Arctic Ocean. China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, arrived in Shanghai on Friday, marking the completion of the country's hitherto largest Arctic Ocean scientific expedition. During the expedition, the Xuelong 2 and Jidi vessels completed comprehensive marine environment surveys and manned deep-sea diving support tasks in the Chukchi sea plateau, the Canada Basin and the central region of the Arctic Ocean. Photo by Xinhua/Liu Shiping/ABACAPRESS.COM

The Polar Max project begins in the Helsinki Shipyard

The Polar Max project begins in the Helsinki Shipyard

CEO of Helsinki Shipyard Kim Salmi (L) and CEO of Davie, James Davies shake hands during a steel cutting ceremony for the beginning of construction of the Polar Max Icebreaker in Helsinki Shipyard in Helsinki, Finland on August 20, 2025. Polar Max is the first newbuild project at the Helsinki Shipyard under Canadian-owned Davie's ownership. Project will be carried out in collaboration between Finnish and Canadian maritime industry experts and the finished vessel is scheduled to be delivered to the Canadian government by 2030. The project is aligned with the principles of the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort ("ICE Pact") between Finland, the United States and Canada. LEHTIKUVA / MARKKU ULANDER - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

The Polar Max project begins in the Helsinki Shipyard

The Polar Max project begins in the Helsinki Shipyard

CEO of Helsinki Shipyard Kim Salmi (L) and CEO of Davie, James Davies during a steel cutting ceremony for the beginning of construction of the Polar Max Icebreaker in Helsinki Shipyard in Helsinki, Finland on August 20, 2025. Polar Max is the first newbuild project at the Helsinki Shipyard under Canadian-owned Davie's ownership. Project will be carried out in collaboration between Finnish and Canadian maritime industry experts and the finished vessel is scheduled to be delivered to the Canadian government by 2030. The project is aligned with the principles of the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort ("ICE Pact") between Finland, the United States and Canada. LEHTIKUVA / MARKKU ULANDER - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

The Polar Max project begins in the Helsinki Shipyard

The Polar Max project begins in the Helsinki Shipyard

CEO of Helsinki Shipyard Kim Salmi during a steel cutting ceremony for the beginning of construction of the Polar Max Icebreaker in Helsinki Shipyard in Helsinki, Finland on August 20, 2025. Polar Max is the first newbuild project at the Helsinki Shipyard under Canadian-owned Davie's ownership. Project will be carried out in collaboration between Finnish and Canadian maritime industry experts and the finished vessel is scheduled to be delivered to the Canadian government by 2030. The project is aligned with the principles of the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort ("ICE Pact") between Finland, the United States and Canada. LEHTIKUVA / MARKKU ULANDER - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

The Polar Max project begins in the Helsinki Shipyard

The Polar Max project begins in the Helsinki Shipyard

CEO of Helsinki Shipyard Kim Salmi (L) and CEO of Davie, James Davies during a steel cutting ceremony for the beginning of construction of the Polar Max Icebreaker in Helsinki Shipyard in Helsinki, Finland on August 20, 2025. Polar Max is the first newbuild project at the Helsinki Shipyard under Canadian-owned Davie's ownership. Project will be carried out in collaboration between Finnish and Canadian maritime industry experts and the finished vessel is scheduled to be delivered to the Canadian government by 2030. The project is aligned with the principles of the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort ("ICE Pact") between Finland, the United States and Canada. LEHTIKUVA / MARKKU ULANDER - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)

The Polar Max project begins in the Helsinki Shipyard

The Polar Max project begins in the Helsinki Shipyard

CEO of Helsinki Shipyard Kim Salmi (L) and CEO of Davie, James Davies during a steel cutting ceremony for the beginning of construction of the Polar Max Icebreaker in Helsinki Shipyard in Helsinki, Finland on August 20, 2025. Polar Max is the first newbuild project at the Helsinki Shipyard under Canadian-owned Davie's ownership. Project will be carried out in collaboration between Finnish and Canadian maritime industry experts and the finished vessel is scheduled to be delivered to the Canadian government by 2030. The project is aligned with the principles of the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort ("ICE Pact") between Finland, the United States and Canada. LEHTIKUVA / MARKKU ULANDER - FINLAND OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. (Credit:Markku Ulander/Lehtikuva/Kyodo News Images)