Abstract:

Silk Road on Ice is an effective extension of the One Belt and One Road Initiative. It is an important reflection of China’s strategy to maintain its overseas interests and increase its status and is an important step in the implementation of a strong national maritime strategy. Polar shipping equipment is urgently needed for the de-velopment of Silk Road on Ice and Arctic shipping routes. In this paper, the current status of China’s ships that are capable of polar operation was analyzed and compared with that of the situation abroad. The analysis included polar icebreakers, scientific research vessels, cargo ships, cruise ships, and fishing vessels in China. Shortcomings and gaps in China’s polar shipping equipment were summarized. Suggestions to meet the need of future development were put forward. The conclusions in this paper can be used to provide guidance to enhance our ability to take part in governance and operational activities in the polar regions.

Key words: polar ship, ability evaluation, development suggestion