A cold wave hit Liaoning on January 17, driving temperatures down 10 to 14℃ and pushing lows below -20℃ in multiple areas. As a result, Liaodong Bay of the Bohai Sea entered its severe ice period this winter. Latest satellite data shows sea ice covers 6,889 square kilometers, accounting for over 22 percent of the bay, with thickness between 10 and 20 centimeters.

Expanding ice disrupted maritime traffic and port operations. Maritime authorities in Panjin, Jinzhou and other coastal cities in the province rolled out hierarchical vessel scheduling, enhanced key water monitoring and arranged high-horsepower tugboats for non-stop ice-breaking pilotage.

Green channels were opened for thermal coal, grain and crude oil to ensure safe and efficient transportation of vital supplies amid icy conditions.