Icebreaker Araon reaches close to Thwaites Glacier in Amundsen Sea

The icebreaker Araon arrived at the Thwaites Glacier in the Amundsen Sea and sailed down a narrow channel to the glacier’s ocean edge, leaving the ship enveloped on three sides by the ice, according to reporting from the Araon on Jan. 8, 2026.

The Araon’s captain, Kim Gwang-heon, had been nervous about the passage after satellite imagery showed it strewn with sea ice and with winds that could have driven ice to block the way back. Won Sang Lee, the expedition’s chief scientist, pushed to try; the ship made the run overnight and by breakfast had reached the end of the channel, close enough to the glacier’s face for what the reporters described as a staring contest. The end of the channel is as close as the ship can get to the spot where scientists hope to drill through the ice later this month, and anchoring nearby would reduce helicopter trips to the site for the complex, monthlong operation.

Researchers noted the seabed here is unmapped by modern sonar, which Dr. Lee said suggests no other ship has sailed these waters. Dr. Lee also said, “The past four years it’s been almost covered by sea ice,” and added, “It’s really changing rapidly, this region. It’s really good for science, but not good for human beings.” The team hopes the ship’s position will let them begin drilling as soon as possible, but the timing and outcome remain subject to the expedition’s plans and conditions at the site.

Key Topics

Science, Thwaites Glacier, Amundsen Sea, Antarctica, Araon, Won Sang Lee