China's icebreaker Xuelong is making waves in the Southern Hemisphere this week! 🌊 The vessel, part of the Chinese mainland's 42nd Antarctic scientific expedition, recently departed Qinling Station after completing critical tasks and is now en route to Lyttelton Port, New Zealand, for resupply and crew rotations.
Crew Swap & Cargo Shuffle
During its Antarctic stop, Xuelong transferred 38 team members to Qinling Station while retrieving 11 others. The ship unloaded a massive 1,450 tonnes of gear—from lab equipment to fuel—and collected 500 tonnes of waste for eco-friendly disposal. ♻️ Talk about a polar pit stop!
Science in the Icebox
Beyond logistics, the icebreaker conducted aerial photography and ocean mapping—key steps in understanding climate patterns. ❄️📸 Before leaving Antarctica, it also assisted South Korea's Jang Bogo Station by transferring 21 researchers, showcasing cross-border polar teamwork. 🤝
What's Next?
After resupplying in New Zealand and welcoming 34 new crew members, Xuelong will sail to Antarctica's Amundsen Sea for advanced ocean surveys. The 2026 expedition, organized by China's Ministry of Natural Resources, focuses on optimizing Qinling Station's infrastructure and testing homegrown tech in extreme conditions. 🔬🇨🇳
