Full steam ahead for polar exhibition as Hong Kong awaits icebreaker's visit

A polar research exhibition showcasing China's icebreaking missions opened yesterday at the Hong Kong Science Museum ahead of the visit of the country's first homemade icebreaking research vessel next month.

The exhibit will be open to the public for free until June 26 and is expected to attract over half a million visitors.

It will introduce the ecology and natural environment of the polar regions, China's polar research facilities, and efforts made by China and Hong Kong to combat climate change.

A 1:100 scale model of Xue Long 2 and samples of polar life, including Antarctic krill, Antarctic lichen, Clione limacina, and Arctic lanternfly, will be showcased.

The exhibit is also a preparation for the visit of Xue Long 2 and its research team on April 8 after completing its latest voyage to the South Pole, which started four months ago and will be completed early next month.

Xue Long 2 entered service in 2019 and is equipped with the world-first bow and stern bidirectional icebreaking function and can rotate 360 degrees. It also serves as a supply vessel for China's research facilities in the Arctic and Antarctic regions and a research vessel.

At the opening ceremony yesterday, Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan said the visit will help people enhance knowledge about the polar environment and climate change. He added: "People not only learn about the country's polar research development but also get on board the vessel to experience the life of researchers.

"Polar research helps scientists understand the impacts and causes of climate change, which is crucial for prediction."

The vessel will be docked at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui from April 9 to April 12.

A cap of 1,000 visitors a day will be allowed.

People can apply for the visit starting at 11am today through the Urbtix.

Event organizer Ho Kin-chung, founding chairman and director of the Green Future Foundation Association, said balloting could be applied if the number of applicants exceeds daily quotas. The vessel will only be accessible in the afternoon of April 8 and the morning of April 12.

A gala will be held at Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wan Chai on April 8 with the Chinese delegation, which will also attend a sharing session at the Science Museum on April 10, when students can interact with researchers at the Zhongshan Station in Antarctica online.

ayra.wang@singtaonewscorp.com