Brace yourselves, adventure seekers! China's 41st Antarctic expedition is heating up (or should we say, cooling down 🥶) as two mighty ships, the research icebreaker Xuelong 2 and cargo vessel Yong Sheng, have joined forces in the icy realms of Antarctica.
On Saturday, these sea warriors converged with a mission: Xuelong 2, aptly named \"Snow Dragon 2\", will plow through the thick Antarctic ice, leading Yong Sheng to the future site of Qinling Station. Once there, the team will hop off to kickstart the construction of new station facilities and gear up equipment. Talk about teamwork goals! 👏
The journey hasn't been a walk in the park. Yong Sheng set sail from east China's Jiangsu Province on November 20, hauling a whopping 16,000 cubic meters of construction materials. That's like carrying over 6 Olympic-sized swimming pools filled to the brim! 🏊♂️
Meanwhile, Xuelong 2, China's first domestically developed icebreaker, embarked from Nansha International Cruise Home Port in Guangzhou, located in the south of the Chinese mainland, along with its elder sibling, Xuelong, on November 1. Family road trip vibes, anyone? 🚢🚢
The dynamic duo has been busy bees, tasked with scientific research, transporting personnel, and handling logistical supplies. Earlier this month, they reached Zhongshan Station, the Chinese mainland's largest research facility in southeastern Antarctica. There, they unloaded and transferred essential supplies to keep the research wheels turning. 🛠️🔬
This epic expedition is orchestrated by the Ministry of Natural Resources, with the three vessels playing pivotal roles in pushing the boundaries of polar exploration. Who knows what cool discoveries await? Stay tuned for more icy updates! 🌬️❄️
Reference(s):
China's 41st Antarctic expedition ships set to sail to Qinling Station
cgtn.com
