The cargo vessel Yong Sheng set sail from Jiangsu Province in China on Wednesday, marking a significant step in China’s 41st Antarctic expedition. Loaded with about 16,000 cubic meters of construction materials, the ship is headed to Antarctica to support the building of China’s new Qinling Station.
Operated by COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers Co., Ltd., the Yong Sheng is an impressive ice-class multipurpose vessel. Measuring nearly 156 meters in length and 24 meters in width, this 20,000-ton ship is specially designed to navigate through icy waters.
China’s 41st Antarctic expedition kicked off on November 1 and is expected to last nearly seven months. The mission involves three ships: the research icebreakers Xuelong (Snow Dragon) and Xuelong-2, along with the cargo vessel Yong Sheng.
Over the coming months, researchers on this expedition will work on constructing the supporting infrastructure for the Qinling Station. They will also investigate how climate change is impacting the Antarctic ecosystem and engage in international research and logistics cooperation.
This expedition highlights China’s ongoing commitment to polar research and international collaboration in understanding and preserving Antarctica’s unique environment.
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Cargo vessel sets sail for China's 41st Antarctic expedition
cgtn.com
