China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, arrived at Lyttelton Port in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Saturday, marking the end of its oceanic survey mission, the country's 40th Antarctic expedition. The ship will carry out a crew change and a resupply at the port.

This expedition is China's first Antarctic scientific research mission carried out by three ships working together, namely Xuelong, Xuelong 2 and the cargo vessel Tian Hui. During the journey, researchers aboard the ship have carried out comprehensive surveys of the hydrology, atmosphere, marine ice, biology and chemistry in the Amundsen Sea and adjacent waters.

中国科考破冰船雪龙 2 号（又称 雪龙 2 号）于周六抵达新西兰克赖斯特彻奇的莱特尔顿港，标志着中国第 40 次南极考察--海洋调查任务的结束。雪龙 2 号船将在该港进行船员更换和补给。

此次考察是中国首次由三艘船共同执行南极科学考察任务，即 雪龙 号、雪龙2 号和 天回 号货轮。考察期间，科考船上的科研人员对阿蒙森海及其附近海域的水文、大气、海冰、生物和化学等进行了全面调查。