Author(s): Haoran Zhu; Chi Chen; Gang Wu; Yuan Li; Qi Qin
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Polar scientific research; Special marine vehicles; Under-ice operations; AUV; USV
Abstract: With unique environmental conditions and abundant resources, the cold polar regions have increasingly become hot spots for the global scientific community. However, constrained by sea ice and their limitation in icebreaking capabilities, traditional ice-faring vessels such as icebreakers fail to fulfill comprehensive, multi-factor scientific research requirements. Consequently, special marine vehicles, including hovercraft, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and unmanned surface vessels (USVs), are much more necessary for scientific research operations. They can help scientists to know the polar environment both horizontally and vertically. Therefore, it is essential to review the application of the special marine vehicles applied in the polar regions and anticipate their development. This paper begins with a review of special marine vehicles used in polar scientific expeditions. Subsequently, it summarizes the applications of the polar special marine vehicles globally. Then further analyzes their primary functions and advantages in polar environments, elaborates on the challenges encountered with communication, navigation, personnel training, and others. In the end, a conclusion will state the outlook on future development for special marine vehicles applied in polar regions.
Year: 2026