Polar ship to cost $153m

Shipyard official says bidding on nation's second icebreaker due to start next month

Bidding for the construction of China's second polar research ship will start by the end of April and the new vessel will boast stronger icebreaking capabilities, said a senior official with one of the country's largest shipbuilders.

The ship's estimated budget will be more than 1 billion yuan ($153.5 million) and the construction is expected to take about two years, said Hu Keyi, technical director of Jiangnan Shipyard (Group) Co Ltd.