The cargo vessel Yong Sheng has set sail from east China’s Jiangsu Province on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in China’s 41st Antarctic expedition. Loaded with approximately 16,000 cubic meters of construction materials, the vessel is destined for China’s Qinling Station in Antarctica.
Operated by COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers Co., Ltd., the Yong Sheng is a 20,000-tonne ice-class multipurpose vessel. Measuring 155.95 meters in length and 23.7 meters in width, it boasts a deadweight tonnage of 19,000 tonnes, making it well-suited for the challenging Antarctic waters.
The 41st Antarctic expedition, which commenced on November 1, is a nearly seven-month mission involving three ships: the research icebreakers Xuelong (Snow Dragon) and Xuelong-2, alongside the cargo vessel Yong Sheng.
Over the coming months, the expedition team will undertake the construction of supporting infrastructure for the Qinling Station. In addition, researchers will investigate the impact of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystem and engage in international research and logistics cooperation.
This expedition underscores China’s commitment to scientific exploration and international collaboration in understanding and preserving the Antarctic environment.
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Cargo vessel sets sail for China's 41st Antarctic expedition
cgtn.com
