Crowds welcomed aboard polar research icebreaker Xue Long 2 on goodwill visit
The first Chinese-built polar research icebreaker has wowed crowds who flocked to visit the vessel after it docked in Hong Kong on a goodwill visit.
Members of the public yesterday gave the massive Xue Long 2 a warm welcome on its five-day visit to the city, the first stop at a Chinese port on its return from an expedition to the frozen expanses of Antarctica.
Lacey Li, who is in her 40s, was among more than 60 people who boarded the ship after it opened to the public at 8.30am.
“It is very stunning,” she said. “Everything is well-organised and neat.”
Li took an hour’s leave from work to visit the ship at Ocean Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui with her husband.
She said she had paid extra attention to the layout of a laboratory on the ship as she worked for an architectural design firm.
Groups from universities, schools and companies were also among the first visitors to get a close-up view of the ship.
Visitors could access areas such as the marine sampling room and the laboratory, as well as the helipad, complete with the ship’s “Snow Eagle 301” helicopter.
Chow Tsz-tong, 17, a pupil at St Rose of Lima’s College, Sha Tin, said she was fascinated by the range of equipment on the ship.
“The most impressive part is how well equipped the icebreaker is,” said Chow, part of a group of 13 pupils from the school.
“I know it can be extremely cold in the Antarctic region and I was worried that scientists would be freezing while working.
“But I was told that there is automated temperature control in the vessel.”
Lin Mau-tong, the principal of St Rose of Lima’s College, said the Xue Long 2 visit was a “rare opportunity” for her pupils to see some of the country’s scientific achievements.
Peng Zexin, a master’s student studying electrical and electronic engineering at the University of Hong Kong, said he was most interested in the array of devices and gadgets carried on the ship.
“I am particularly interested in the helicopter, the drone and sample collectors,” Peng said.
“I find it interesting to see how they’ve already applied drones in polar research. Drones can go to areas that are difficult for humans to reach and help with the scientific assignments.”
The vessel is open free of charge to tours up to a maximum of 3,000 people between yesterday and Friday.
Pre-registration is needed for all visitors, but it appeared not everyone was aware of the requirement.
Sham Yung, a 77-year-old retired doctor, left the terminal disappointed because he had not registered in advance.
“We feel sorry that we don’t have the chance to visit the icebreaker,” said Yung, who wanted to see the vessel with two friends.
“It is rare for a scientific research ship to come to Hong Kong so I am curious to see what is inside. I hope next time they can have a more accessible way for seniors to get tickets.”
The icebreaker’s visit coincided with a two-day conference on climate change organised by Chinese University.
An exhibition on the topic and polar research is also running at the Hong Kong Science Museum until June.
Wang Jinhui, the expedition’s deputy leader, earlier said he hoped that Hong Kong’s scientists would take part in the ship’s work.
Professor Ho Kin-chung, founder of visit organisers the Green Future Foundation Association and Polar Research Institute of Hong Kong, added mainland authorities had promised to include Hongkongers in future expeditions.
Drones can go to areas that are difficult for humans to reach and help with the scientific assignments PENG ZEXIN, VISITOR