Arctic Milestone: China Completes First-Ever Human Submersible Mission Under ice in Arctic Ocean

Image credit – South China Morning Post

China was able to conduct its first manned dive beneath Arctic Ocean ice-cover, this is a significant milestone in global polar exploration achieved during China’s 15th Arctic Scientific expedition.

The dive was done in submarine named “Shenhai Yongshi” meaning Deep Sea warrior, which has a capability to diver 4.5 Kilometres below sea level. After touching the sea bed, the researchers collected seabed samples and other specimens which will used for further studies.

This expedition was launched mid 2024 on research ice-breaker “Xuelong 2”, which was first domestically build Chinese polar ice-breaker.

In 2013 China joined Arctic council as an observer state and in 2025 it reached the milestone for first manned dive beneath Artic ice cap.

After achieving this milestone, China has again proved its superiority in maritime world.

In our earlier blog we have mentioned how Chinese shipping is innovating the Ocean route for exports to Europe through the Northern Sea route when the world is struggling through Red sea challenge.