Chinese Icebreakers Converge in Antarctica to Build Qinling Station
In a significant milestone for China’s polar exploration efforts, the research icebreaker Xuelong 2 and the cargo vessel Yong Sheng have met in Antarctica as part of the country’s 41st Antarctic expedition. The two ships, which converged on Saturday, are set to collaborate on the construction of the new Qinling Station on the icy continent.
The Xuelong 2, China’s first domestically developed icebreaker, will pave the way through the treacherous Antarctic ice, guiding the Yong Sheng to the designated site of Qinling Station. Team members aboard will then disembark to commence work on building station facilities and installing critical equipment.
The Yong Sheng departed from Jiangsu Province in east China on November 20, carrying approximately 16,000 cubic meters of construction materials essential for establishing the supporting infrastructure of Qinling Station. This collaborative effort underscores China’s commitment to expanding its scientific research capabilities in Antarctica.
The Xuelong 2, also known as Snow Dragon 2, left Nansha International Cruise Home Port in Guangzhou, south China’s Guangdong Province, on November 1. It set sail alongside its predecessor, the Xuelong, with both vessels entrusted with scientific research missions, personnel transport, and logistical support.
Upon arriving at Zhongshan Station, China’s largest research facility in southeastern Antarctica, in early December, the ships began unloading supplies and transferring equipment to bolster the base’s operations. The coordinated efforts of the three vessels—the Xuelong, Xuelong 2, and Yong Sheng—are pivotal to the success of the expedition organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources.
The establishment of Qinling Station marks a significant expansion of China’s research infrastructure in Antarctica, providing scientists with enhanced capabilities to study the continent’s unique environment and contribute to global understanding of polar ecosystems.
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China's 41st Antarctic expedition ships set to sail to Qinling Station
cgtn.com
