Excitement sets sail as China's ice-class vessel Yong Sheng departs from east China's Jiangsu Province on Wednesday, marking the start of the country's 41st Antarctic expedition. Operated by COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers Co., Ltd., the Yong Sheng is loaded with approximately 16,000 cubic meters of construction materials aimed at bolstering the Qinling Station in Antarctica. 🏔️
Measuring 155.95 meters in length and 23.7 meters in width, the Yong Sheng is a formidable 20,000-tonne ice-class multipurpose vessel with a deadweight tonnage of 19,000 tonnes, ensuring it can navigate the icy waters with ease. ❄️
The expedition team set sail on November 1, embarking on a mission that is expected to last nearly seven months. This ambitious journey is supported by two research icebreakers, Xuelong (Snow Dragon) and Xuelong-2, alongside the Yong Sheng. Together, these ships will enable researchers to:
Build and enhance the infrastructure supporting the Qinling Station.
Investigate the impact of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystem.
Foster international research and logistics cooperation.
As the Yong Sheng navigates towards the icy frontier, the expedition symbolizes a significant commitment to scientific advancement and environmental stewardship in one of the planet's most challenging environments. Stay tuned for updates on this groundbreaking mission! 🌍✨
