China's cargo vessel Yong Sheng has set sail from east China's Jiangsu Province, marking the commencement of the nation's 41st Antarctic expedition. Operated by COSCO Shipping Specialized Carriers Co., Ltd., the Yong Sheng is laden with approximately 16,000 cubic meters of construction materials destined for the Qinling Station in Antarctica.
Measuring 155.95 meters in length and 23.7 meters in width, the 20,000-tonne ice-class multipurpose vessel boasts a deadweight tonnage of 19,000 tonnes, underscoring its capability to navigate the challenging Antarctic waters.
The expedition team, which set sail on November 1, is expected to embark on a mission lasting nearly seven months. The mission involves three ships: the Yong Sheng, alongside research icebreakers Xuelong (Snow Dragon) and Xuelong-2.
Over the coming months, researchers will focus on building and enhancing the supporting infrastructure for the Qinling Station. Additionally, the team will investigate the impacts of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystem and engage in international research and logistics cooperation, contributing valuable insights to the global understanding of this fragile environment.
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Cargo vessel sets sail for China's 41st Antarctic expedition
cgtn.com
