Chula Researcher Joins China’s Xue Long 2 to Study Climate and Microplastics 

The visit of the Chinese polar research icebreaker “Xue Long 2” to Thailand for the first time, from May 19–23, 2025, marked a significant opportunity for the country to host this advanced Antarctic research vessel. This event was held under a Thailand-China cooperation project in celebration of the 70th birthday of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China in 2025. 

The “Xue Long 2” docked at Chuk Samet Pier, Sattahip Port Authority, Chonburi, on the morning of May 19. The arrival was welcomed by Rear Admiral Thamrong Supannapong, Director of the Sattahip Naval Base, Prof. Dr. Pairash Thajchayapong, Secretary-General of the Princess’s IT Foundation, and Asst. Prof. Dr. Rawin Rawiwong, Director of the National Science Museum. They greeted Captain Xiao Xueming and the team of researchers and crew — among them, Asst. Prof. Dr. Udomsak Darumat, a senior researcher from Chulalongkorn University’s Water Resources Research Institute and the only Thai selected to join the mission aboard this fourth Chinese Antarctic vessel. “Xue Long 2” is the world’s first icebreaker capable of breaking ice both forward and backward, making it one of the most modern research vessels globally. 

Prof. Dr. Suchana Chavanich of the Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University — who also serves as Deputy Director of the Water Resources Research Institute and Deputy Director of Chulalongkorn’s Academic Services Center — shared insights from her earlier Antarctic expedition with the Chinese team in January–February. She noted challenges such as extremely strong winds and the impacts of global warming, including melting ice that has led to emerging diseases in marine animals and declining penguin populations due to disrupted food chains. Microplastic pollution was also highlighted, with findings of microplastics trapped in sea ice, indicating that Antarctica is becoming a global waste sink. 

Prof. Dr. Suchana remarked that H.R.H. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was the first Thai person to visit Antarctica, and Prof. Dr. Voranop Viyakarn of Chulalongkorn’s Water Resources Research Institute was the first Thai scientist to conduct research there. Thai participation in polar science began through collaboration with Japan and has continued with China, with Thailand allotted about two researcher positions annually. Candidates must meet rigorous academic and physical criteria, given the harsh polar conditions and the mental resilience required for long-term missions. 

Dr. Udomsak described his role on the “Xue Long 2,” which involved investigating microplastics in deep-sea waters, sediments, and organisms, along with climate change impacts on the Antarctic ecosystem. Sample collection began from international waters near New Zealand to Antarctic waters, using high-pressure filtration systems and CTD instruments capable of sampling up to 4,000 meters deep. Marine sediments were also collected at varying depths for analysis back at Chulalongkorn University labs. 

He described the harsh conditions: sub-zero temperatures below -25°C, wind speeds of 60–80 km/h, and blowing snow that turned to ice on contact. The extreme dryness and wind made breathing difficult and caused rapid dehydration. Despite this, the team remained healthy, thanks to strong camaraderie and high safety standards on board. 

The “Xue Long 2” is 122.5 meters long and 22.3 meters wide, with a draft of 12 meters and a displacement of 13,990 tons. It accommodates 40 crew and 50 researchers. Its mission includes supporting polar research in climate science, glaciology, oceanography, atmospheric science, geology, geophysics, ecology, and biology, as well as logistics for research stations. The ship is equipped with a wide array of sensors, advanced computing technology, and green SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems to minimize emissions in sensitive polar zones. 

Prof. Dr. Suchana concluded that the samples collected by Thai researchers are like small puzzle pieces that, when assembled with global data, form a clearer picture of the world’s environmental and climate conditions. The project, inspired by royal initiatives, includes a wide range of studies, from oceanography to geology, paleontology, physics, and astronomy — helping build a global body of scientific knowledge. 

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