Xuewen Wu aboard the Chinese icebreaking ship Xuelong 2. Photo: the 12th Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition

In addition, another four marine technicians from Shipboard Technical Support (STS) of R/V TKK were on board RVs Da Yang Hao, Shenhai Yihao, Ke Xue, and Zhong Shan Da Xue, and provided over-the-side operations, instrument maintenance and guarantee, and other technical services on four separate expeditions, including China-Africa International Cooperation Expedition.

Chengmiao Ye, marine technician of R/V TKK, onboard R/V Shenhai Yihao. Photo: Chengmiao Ye

Jianwei Weng (left), marine technician of R/V TKK, onboard R/V Da Yang Hao. Photo: Jianwei Weng

Jiannan Cai, marine technician of R/V TKK, onboard RV Ke Xue. Photo: Jiannan Cai

Yizheng Xu (center), marine technician of R/V TKK, provided technical support onboard RV Zhong Shan Da Xue. Photo: Weibiao Li

This new attempt of external services was attributable not only to STS’s continuous efforts on gathering the strengths from domestic and international research vessel operations, but also the distinctive on-board operating mode established through over 30 expeditions. In the meantime, technicians are getting integrated and experienced with cruises, earning reputations by their superior techniques onboard. Therefore, this new attempt is natural and inevitable, pointing to the goal of R/V TKK – strive for the best.

On July 21, a virtual meeting was convened via satellite networks, connecting Polar Research Icebreaker Xuelong 2 that embarked on its expedition to the Arctic Ocean, R/V Shenhai Yihao in the western Philippine Basin, R/V Da Yang Hao in the southwestern Indian Ocean, R/V TKK in the SCS, and R/V TKK’s ship-to-shore command center in Xiamen. Albeit the long distance, the marine technicians met via video conference, and exchanged experience and insights on on-board operations and maintenance of new instruments on different vessels.

“I primarily supported the integration of towed acoustic sensor system, the relay of sonobuoy signal, and the underwater ultra-short baseline positioning for AUV, deep tow of optics video surveillance, and TV grab, as well as the underway magnetic operations,” said Wu after the expedition to the Arctic was completed. “This attempt not only provided scientists with high-quality samples and data via precise and efficient technical support services, but also filled in the gap in STS’s polar expedition experience.”

 Xuewen Wu supports the underway magnetic operations. Photo: the 12th Chinese National Arctic Research Expedition