China is expanding its ability to study rapid changes in the Arctic through the first-ever four-vessel deployment during its 16th Arctic Ocean expedition.

With Arctic temperatures rising nearly four times faster than the global average, synchronised observations of the atmosphere, sea ice and marine ecosystem can provide a more comprehensive picture of the region’s rapid environmental changes.

The expedition, China’s first Arctic mission of 2026, brings together ice breakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2 with research vessels Jidi and Tansuo 3. The formation enables broader and more detailed surveys across the Arctic high seas, covering ocean and ice conditions as well as manned deep diving.

The four-vessel approach also allows researchers to collect data simultaneously at different locations, expanding the survey area and range of parameters compared with previous single-ship missions.

Xuelong and Xuelong 2 have completed their missions and returned to Shanghai, while Jidi and Tansuo 3 are expected to return in mid-October after three months at sea.