The five-day visit of Xue Long 2 – the nation’s first homegrown polar icebreaker –can deepen Hong Kong residents’ pride in the nation’s scientific research achievements, according to Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu.

It can also inspire Hong Kong youngsters to participate in the realm of innovation and technology, he added.

The 13,990-ton vessel docked in Tsim Sha Tsui on Monday, and will welcome Hong Kong residents and visitors on board from Tuesday until Friday for free; tickets will be issued online.

A team of scientists and experts — including those from Xue Long 2 and the nation’s 40th Antarctic scientific expedition — who are accompanying the icebreaker will communicate with students and representatives from the community during their stay.

Speaking at the welcome ceremony held after the ship’s arrival, Lee said it is a valuable opportunity to engage with the nation’s top Antarctic explorers, urging Hong Kong youngsters to take part in the communication events due to be held in the coming few days,

The polar expedition team’s courage and resolve also sets a good example for young people should they venture into the field of innovation and technology and contribute to the nation’s scientific accomplishment, Lee added.

Returning from the nation’s 40th Antarctic scientific expedition, Xue Long 2’s crew chose Hong Kong as their first port of call, which showcases the central government’s unwavering attention and care for Hong Kong, noted Lee.

Lee said Hong Kong can make a greater contribution to the nation’s polar research and exploration, adding that the visit will also raise people’s awareness regarding climate change and environmental protection.

Speaking at the same event, Sun Shuxian, deputy head of the Ministry of Natural Resources and director of the State Oceanic Administration, said he hopes the visit can be the beginning of broader communication and collaboration between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland regarding polar expedition.

He also said he hopes to see Hong Kong scientists taking part in the nation’s polar exploration projects in the future.

Sun recalled that the polar research vessel Xue Long visited Hong Kong in 2004, attracting a warm and enthusiastic welcome from residents. After a span of 20 years, the country now has the state-of-the-art Xue Long 2 icebreaker, demonstrating the dedicated effort and unyielding spirit of generations of Chinese workers.

He added the five-day visit will deepen Hong Kong people’s understanding and awareness of polar expeditions, while igniting an interest among the city’s youth to explore the polar regions.

Zhang Beichen, the team leader and chief scientist of China’s 40th Antarctic expedition, said his team will host in-depth communication on national polar exploration work through various activities and engagement in the coming days.