The country's home-made icebreaker "Xuelong 2”, or "Snow Dragon 2", arrived in Tsim Sha Tsui on Monday for a five-day visit to Hong Kong.

People can tour the vessel free of charge between Tuesday and Friday, with tickets available online.

At a welcome ceremony, Chief Executive John Lee said he hopes the visit will inspire young people to pursue a career in the innovative technology field.

"I hope that young people in Hong Kong can seize this valuable opportunity to interact with the country's top scientists. They should follow the example of the courageous expedition team that's not afraid of hardship. I hope they can join the ranks of innovation and technology and contribute to building a technologically powerful nation," he said.

Sun Shuxian, deputy minister of the Ministry of Natural Resources and director of the State Oceanic Administration, said he believes the visit will spark more exchanges between the nation and Hong Kong in the field of polar research.

"We hope that more scientists, residents and businesses in Hong Kong will support and participate in the country's Antarctic polar expeditions, providing a steady stream of impetus for the high-quality development of polar undertakings," he said.

Lawmaker Ma Fung-kwok, who chairs the visit's organising committee, said all the available tickets for the first two days had already been snapped up.

He added that organisers are putting on a drone show on Wednesday night because of the enthusiastic response.

Those on board can check out a variety of scientific research equipment, including a device that enables the vessel to reach the ocean floor to collect marine samples.

The vessel also houses a salon, a library, a seminar hall, and a gym.

Wang Jinhui, deputy leader of the expedition team, hoped more Hongkongers would take part in Antarctic scientific expeditions in future.

"In fact, our inspection stations need logistics support for staff and materials delivery. We hope for more assistance from all sectors in Hong Kong," he said.

Another deputy head of the team, Wei Fuhai, said "Xuelong 2" is better at breaking ice and conducting scientific research than "Xuelong".
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Last updated: 2024-04-08 HKT 17:09