Several esteemed faculty members from the School of Energy and Environment (SEE), including Prof. Patrick Sit, Prof. Yun Hau Ng, Prof. Edwin Tso, Prof. Jung-Eun Chu, Prof. Jason Lam, Prof. Henry He, Prof. Yiming Qin, along with a group of SEE students, had the privilege of being invited to visit Xue Long 2 at Victoria Harbour, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong on 10 April 2024.

Xue Long 2, China’s pioneering polar scientific research icebreaker, is an impressive vessel that showcases the nation’s domestic design and construction capabilities. It received a grand welcome from the HKSAR government vessels and tug boats on 9 April as it made its inaugural port stop in China after successfully completing a polar expedition. Notably, Xue Long 2 boasts the remarkable distinction of having dual-directional icebreaking capability at both the bow and stern, enabling it to rotate freely 360 degrees in place. Equipped with world-class marine and research facilities, the ship is capable of conducting geological and biological experimentation and surveying.

We were also delighted to have welcomed members of the Xue Long 2 research team to visit CityUHK, where they engaged in fruitful discussions with our esteemed SEE faculty members on 10 April. These discussions provided a platform for sharing and exchanging insightful visions on climate science and polar scientific research.

As climate change stands among the core strengths of our school (SEE), we remain committed to developing diverse approaches to address environmental issues and nurture the leaders of tomorrow’s industries. The visit and ensuing conversations with the Xue Long 2 team have profoundly inspired our faculty members and students, offering them invaluable insights into polar climate research and equipping them with strategies to tackle the challenges posed by climate change.