China's polar icebreaker Xuelong, currently engaged in the nation's 42nd Antarctic scientific expedition, departed for New Zealand's Lyttelton Port on January 3, 2026, following the completion of critical tasks at Qinling Station. The vessel successfully transferred 38 team members to the station and repatriated 11 others, while unloading 1,450 tonnes of essential supplies and equipment. Over 500 tonnes of construction waste were also retrieved for proper disposal.
During its stay, Xuelong conducted advanced aerial photography and oceanographic mapping, bolstering scientific understanding of the region. Prior to leaving Antarctic waters, the icebreaker assisted in transferring 21 expedition members from South Korea's Jang Bogo Station, demonstrating cross-border collaboration in polar research.
At Lyttelton Port, Xuelong will undergo resupply operations and rotate crew members, welcoming 34 new personnel before proceeding to the Amundsen Sea for further oceanographic surveys. Organized by China's Ministry of Natural Resources, this year's expedition prioritizes infrastructure optimization at Qinling Station, multidisciplinary scientific surveys, and field-testing of domestically developed polar technologies.
