The nation’s first domestically built Antarctic research icebreaker, Xuelong 2, has completed a five-day visit to Hong Kong and began its return journey to Shanghai this afternoon.

A farewell ceremony was held at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, where Under Secretary for Environment & Ecology Diane Wong and the committee that organised the visit led the farewells for Xuelong 2 and its crew, the 40th Chinese Antarctic scientific expedition team.

The chairman of the organising committee, Ma Fung-kwok, expressed his deep satisfaction with the visit. He emphasised that it had not only fostered a genuine interest among citizens in polar research but had also raised awareness about the pressing issue of climate change.

Looking ahead, the organising committee is already in discussions with relevant departments to explore opportunities for Hong Kong scholars and students to participate in future scientific expeditions, particularly in the field of polar research.

During the visit of Xuelong 2 to Hong Kong, over 7,200 citizens were able to tour the ship. Moreover, the committee estimates that 100,000 people participated in public tours, free scientific exhibitions, exchange meetings, and other activities involving the polar research vessel.