A unique New Year during the 40th Antarctic expedition

Aerial photo shows a supply ship unloading construction materials for the new scientific research station on Enksburg island along the Ross Sea on December 8, 2023. [Photo/China Daily]

On December 31, the steel structure of China's new scientific research station on Enksburg island along the Ross Sea stands tall against the relentless wind.

Undeterred by the fierce winds, Hu Qing and his teammates from China's 40th Antarctic Expedition arrived at the construction site after breakfast.

Hu Qing, who runs construction machines, has spent New Year in Antarctica over the last 8 years. Drawing on years of experience, he knew it was necessary to make the most of every hour to promote the construction before the harsh weather arrived.

In the Antarctic summer, the sun is always visible above the horizon. From 7 am to 10 pm, the crew raced against time to complete the main building's steel framework, which began on December 16 and had been finished now as planned.

A feast was provided on New Year's Eve to let the hardworking staff unwind. "This is Antarctica, where the weather changes unexpectedly," said Hu Qing, glancing outside. "But if we unite, we can complete the construction task on time."

The inland ice cap, which is called the "forbidden zone of life," presented a dangerous journey filled with ice crevices, blizzards, and whiteouts.

With limited living conditions inland, nine team members shared two cabins; one was used as a kitchen and dining room. Aviation meals are their main food. Surrounding the camp was a vast area of blue ice, so water had to be collected from distant snow sources.

The sea remained calm in Great Wall Bay. A supply ship loaded with goods was sailing from China's icebreaker, "Snow Dragon," towards the Great Wall Station.

Yan Wei operated several machines at the same time. He used cranes to carry supplies onto the shore and then loaded vehicles to deliver goods to the station. "The weather has been nice these days, so we're seizing the chance to unload," Yan Wei said. They once worked until 4 am.

After completing the wintering mission at Zhongshan Station, Yan Wei recently stayed with the Snow Dragon to unload supplies at the Great Wall Station. After days of hard work with his teammates, around 700 tons of logistical support and scientific equipment have been unloaded.

"Tomorrow, the weather in Great Wall Bay will worsen. Tonight, we have to unload a bit more." Yan Wei decided to spend New Year's Eve on the unloading dock.

Across the vast Southern Ocean, the "Snow Dragon 2" broke through ice and surged through waves, ceaselessly, day and night.

In the dining room, chefs meticulously prepared meals. The expedition team also organized some entertaining activities to alleviate the tension from days of intense work.

Following the festive celebration saying goodbye to the old and greeting the new, team members swiftly returned to their busy work.

"The oceanographic expedition in 2024 will be intense, so much work should be planned ahead," said Chen Chao, captain of the "Snow Dragon 2". He added that the aerial survey has commenced, and the comprehensive survey will begin soon.

Source: Xinhua; trans-editing by Guo Yao