China's scientific research icebreaker Xuelong-2 returned to its home port in Shanghai on Wednesday, rounding off the country's 13th Arctic Ocean expedition.

During its 78-day voyage, the massive ship traveled over 15,000 nautical miles (roughly 27,800 kilometers), completing a series of tasks on scientific issues, including long-term monitoring of key environmental elements and mid-ocean ridge survey in the areas of the Pacific sector, the Gakkel Ridge of the Central Arctic Ocean and the North Pole region.

A large number of data and samples have been obtained during the comprehensive surveys, Chen Zhi, chief scientist of the scientific expedition, told China Media Group.

Several tests were conducted for the first time in the Arctic Ocean, including deploying sea-ice stress buoys, which is conducive to understanding in detail the dynamics and thermodynamic processes of the sea ice, said Chen.

The expedition also featured international collaboration programs.

China and Thailand cooperated for the first time on the expedition to provide a reference for the research and control of global microplastic pollution. China and Russia deepened the geophysical survey of the mid-ocean ridge, laying a solid foundation for the two sides to jointly carry out geological structure research of the Arctic Ocean.

The icebreaker's landmark accomplishment was reaching the North Pole to conduct ice and marine investigations, marking the first time a Chinese vessel ever reached that point, which has helped to fill the gap in the country's database about the North Pole region.

"The successful completion and the breakthroughs achieved during the expedition mission have further improved our country's ability in environmental protection, pollutant assessment and response to rapid changes in the Arctic Ocean, and enhanced the country's ability in understanding and protecting the region," said Wang Jinhui, team leader of the 13th Arctic Ocean scientific expedition.

(Cover: China's scientific research icebreaker Xuelong-2 returns to its home port in Shanghai, September 27, 2023. /CFP)