On April 8, 2025, China’s research icebreaker, Xuelong, also known as Snow Dragon, arrived in Shanghai, completing its significant role in the country’s 41st Antarctic Expedition. The expedition marked a major achievement in scientific exploration and international collaboration. The ship’s return to Shanghai followed a 159-day journey covering more than 27,000 nautical miles. The mission began on November 1, 2024, when the Xuelong departed from Guangzhou, located in the Guangdong province of southern China.
The 41st Antarctic Expedition involved 516 members from 118 institutions, both domestic and international. This large-scale endeavor utilized three vessels. While the cargo ship Yong Sheng returned to China earlier in January, the research icebreaker Xuelong 2 continues its mission in the Ross Sea. Xuelong 2 is expected to return to Shanghai in June.
The expedition team achieved several breakthroughs in various scientific areas. These included technological innovations, new research methodologies, and the widespread application of domestically developed equipment. Furthermore, the mission contributed to advancing global climate change research, particularly in the rapidly changing environment of Antarctica. Wang Jinhui, the leader of the expedition team, noted the critical importance of the mission in furthering international scientific collaboration. China’s involvement in Antarctic research continues to strengthen its role in global scientific efforts.
One of the expedition’s primary objectives was to establish a clean energy system at China’s Qinling research station in Antarctica. This system includes the integration of wind, solar, and hydrogen power, along with energy storage facilities. This initiative is seen as a major step forward in sustainable energy solutions for the extreme conditions of the Antarctic region. Additionally, the team collected valuable data on ice sheets and penguin habitats, which will contribute to future climate change studies.
The 41st Antarctic Expedition also focused on enhancing international cooperation. As part of the mission, China has worked with multiple countries on oceanic surveys in the Ross Sea. This ongoing collaboration highlights China’s commitment to scientific discovery and environmental preservation. Through partnerships with other nations, the team has gathered critical data to help address pressing global challenges.
Despite the challenges posed by the harsh Antarctic environment, the expedition has made substantial contributions to scientific knowledge. The team’s successful deployment of domestic technologies in the field of polar research marks a significant milestone. The use of advanced energy systems at the research station is expected to have long-term implications for future polar research missions and other scientific endeavors in similar extreme environments.
China’s involvement in Antarctic research has been expanding steadily. The country’s focus on scientific innovation and environmental sustainability has led to greater participation in international research collaborations. The data collected during this expedition, especially on the ice sheets and local wildlife, will provide insights into the rapid environmental changes occurring in the Antarctic region.
The completion of the 41st Antarctic Expedition is not just a milestone for China, but also a significant moment for global scientific communities. Researchers from around the world will benefit from the data and findings collected during this mission. The information gathered on ice sheets, penguin habitats, and the integration of clean energy technologies is expected to contribute to both climate change models and sustainable energy research.
As the Xuelong returns to Shanghai, the success of the 41st Antarctic Expedition highlights China’s increasing role in global scientific endeavors. This marks a new chapter in Antarctic research, with China continuing to collaborate with international institutions. The ongoing mission of Xuelong 2, as well as future expeditions, will further bolster China’s contributions to climate science and polar exploration.
Looking ahead, the 41st Antarctic Expedition sets a precedent for future scientific missions in polar regions. With advancements in clean energy technologies and collaborative efforts across borders, the lessons learned from this mission will guide future expeditions. As the global community faces the challenges of climate change, international cooperation and scientific research, such as that demonstrated by this expedition, will be crucial in addressing these pressing issues.
The 41st Antarctic Expedition has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on both China and the global scientific community. As more data is collected, it will play a crucial role in shaping future environmental research. The mission’s emphasis on clean energy systems, international collaboration, and innovative research methodologies represents a forward-thinking approach to addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing world.
