China’s Xuelong 2 begins Antarctic icebreaking operations as part of major 19-month expedition

China’s Xuelong 2 icebreaker has reached waters near Zhongshan Station and begun icebreaking operations as part of the country’s 42nd Antarctic scientific expedition, a 19-month mission aimed at advancing polar research and strengthening international scientific cooperation.

The Xuelong 2, accompanied by its sister ship Xuelong, is carrying out a wide range of operations including logistics, research and equipment testing under extreme polar conditions. The expedition represents one of China’s most ambitious Antarctic missions to date, spanning nearly two years before both vessels return to Shanghai in May 2026.

After completing resupply operations in Hobart, Australia, the Xuelong 2 crossed the westerlies and reached waters roughly 60 kilometres from Zhongshan Station on 1 December, according to the expedition’s leadership team.

“The two vessels are carrying about 2,000 tons of supplies for the Antarctic Zhongshan Station. Over the next two weeks, depending on ice conditions, we’ll be unloading the cargo using both sea-ice vehicles and helicopter sling operations,” said Wei Fuhai, leader of China’s 42nd Antarctic Expedition.

The mission involves over 500 scientists and crew members representing more than 80 institutions across the Chinese mainland, as well as researchers from over 10 countries and regions, including Thailand, Chile, and Portugal, along with participants from Hong Kong and Macao.

According to the Chinese Polar Research Institute, the expedition will focus on multi-disciplinary surveys, including studies on climate change, marine ecosystems, atmospheric sciences and glaciology. It will also test domestically developed technologies designed for use in extreme environments — part of China’s long-term goal of expanding its scientific footprint in Antarctica.

The Xuelong 2, China’s first domestically built polar research icebreaker, has been a cornerstone of the country’s growing polar programme, which combines scientific discovery with international collaboration under the framework of the Antarctic Treaty System.

Officials said the expedition aims to strengthen China’s contribution to global climate and polar research while fostering cooperation across borders.

“This expedition reflects our commitment to open scientific collaboration and sustainable exploration of the polar regions,” Wei added.

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