Polar marine equipment is the main carrier for human participation in polar activities. The suggestions for the division of the polar marine equipment system are provided in the current study. The key directions for future polar marine equipment in China are found based on the historical development of China’s polar marine equipment and the comparative analysis of similar equipment types at home and abroad. Nine technical disciplines for polar ships are proposed and three major technical requirements are listed and elaborated by combining with the engineering research and development of heavy icebreakers. It can provide references for the research and development of relevant equipment technologies in China.