China's polar icebreaker Xuelong arrives at Qinling Station

China's polar icebreaker Xuelong arrived at the waters off the Qinling Station on Monday to begin unloading cargo as part of the country's 42nd Antarctic scientific expedition.

Wei Fuhai, leader of the expedition team, said about 1,400 tonnes of materials will be unloaded over roughly five days, including logistical support items, engineering supplies, scientific research materials, and fuel for Qinling Station.

Materials will be transported to the station by barge, with some supplies and waste will be shipped back to China, depending on the operation's progress. On-site engineering work is being carried out simultaneously with the unloading process.

Qinling Station, which became operational on February 7, 2024, is China's fifth scientific outpost in Antarctic. It has filled the void in China's research capabilities in the Ross Sea region.

With a total building area of 5,244 square meters, the station is now the largest single structure among China's existing research stations, which can accommodate 80 researchers.

During the resupply mission, the expedition team will also use helicopters to conduct aerial photography of the area surrounding the station and deploy Xuelong to carry out marine surveys and other scientific research tasks.

The expedition, organized by China's Ministry of Natural Resources, will continue the improvement of supporting facilities, including the research building and communication network, thereby enhancing the station's operational support and scientific research capabilities.