Japan is on the verge of completing its first Arctic research vessel, Mirai II, which boasts full icebreaking capabilities. Set for delivery later this year and scheduled for its inaugural research expedition in the summer of 2027, the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) has partnered with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) for the vessel’s operation. MOL will oversee operational services, making the ship an international research platform.
MOL has been laying the groundwork for operating Mirai II since its selection in 2023. As part of its preparation, the company conducted polar survival training for the crew in February, simulating emergency scenarios in frigid conditions. This training included exercises such as cold-water swimming in immersion suits and drills for escaping from icy waters. The vessel was officially named and launched in March 2025 at the Japan Marine United Corporation’s Yokohama Works, with outfitting work currently in progress.
The new vessel, which is 128 meters long and can accommodate up to 97 crew members and scientists, is designed to break through ice up to 1.2 meters thick at a speed of 3 knots. It surpasses the capabilities of its predecessor, which was retired in December. Plans include conducting training cruises before its public display in April, with the first Arctic Ocean expedition slated for next summer. Given Japan’s leadership in scientific research and its vulnerability to climate change, the new vessel will facilitate crucial observations of the Arctic environment, including oceanic, atmospheric, and weather conditions, as well as sonar surveys and sediment collection.
