Photo/Illutration An artist’s concept of the Arctic research vessel Mirai II, which will have ice-breaking capability (Provided by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology)

YOKOHAMA--Japan’s first Arctic research vessel now under construction here will be capable of smashing through sea ice up to 1.2 meters thick to reach the northern polar region to study sea creatures and environmental conditions there.

It will also serve as the mother ship for a submersible and have airborne drone capability.

The icebreaker will take over survey and observation functions from the current oceanographic research vessel, Mirai, which was limited to operating in ice-free areas.

At 128 meters from bow to stern, Mirai II will be able to accommodate up to 97 crew members.

The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) said Mirai II will be tasked with measuring the thickness and shape of the sea ice it cuts through as well as studying environmental conditions and living creatures in the north polar region.

“We will be looking to cross from the Pacific side to the Atlantic side to measure sea water temperatures and other data at some point,” said a representative of JAMSTEC, which is based in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture.

The total cost of construction is estimated at 33.9 billion yen ($219.5 million). The vessel is being built in Yokohama’s Isogo Ward with completion set for November 2026.

The Antarctic icebreaker Shirase operated by the Maritime Self-Defense Force served as a role model in the construction of Mirai II to give it the ability to venture into areas covered by sea ice throughout the year.

On April 19, reporters were allowed into the Isogo Works of leading shipbuilder Japan Marine United Corp. (JMU)’s Yokohama Shipyard to see what work has been done to date.

The construction work featured an iron plate with 2 millimeters of stainless steel applied to its surface to help the vessel negotiate icy waters.

“Friction with ice can be lessened, making the body resistant to rust even when its paint peels off,” said a JMU representative.

Boasting the latest in icebreaker technology, Mirai II will operate in a far wider area than its predecessor, even at the North Pole itself.

“We are determined to do what it takes to get the work done,” said JMU President Nobuyuki Nada. “We are incorporating everything we know about engineering techniques to build this vessel.”

Global warming is already having a noticeable impact on the Arctic region, according to JAMSTEC, citing a reduced volume of sea ice and other environmental changes that have become the trigger for more aggressive economic activity.

Mirai II will also monitor changes in Earth’s climate and weather as well as assess challenges in the north polar region from a “global perspective.”

A launch ceremony is planned in March 2025 ahead of completion in November of the following year.

Related News