Par researchers complete rotation at Ukrainian Antarctic base

The press service of the National Antarctic Research Center reported this, as reported by Ukrinform.

According to the scientists, the days of the watch were “extremely busy.”

Due to strong winds and ice problems, unloading a year's worth of food, materials, and fuel took a considerable amount of time. Scientists worked from dawn until late at night to get everything to the base and remove the research samples and waste accumulated over the year.

Scientists also noted that due to the complex topography of the seabed, the icebreaker Noosphere cannot approach the berths of the Vernadsky base, so the transportation of cargo and crew between the ship and the base is carried out using motorboats.

Read also: Ukrainian Antarctic expedition arrives at Academician Vernadsky station

At the same time, the participants of the 29th Antarctic expedition shared their knowledge and experience in the field of research, equipment maintenance and security at the base.

On Saturday, March 22, a touching moment of transfer of powers took place: the head of the 29th expedition, Yur Otruba, handed over a symbolic key to the Vernadsky base to the head of the 30th expedition, Alexander Pudny.

To the sounds of the Ukrainian anthem, base commanders raised national flags on the flagpole.

Read also: The flag of the Azov brigade was raised over the Ukrainian station “Akademik Vernadsky”

On Sunday, March 23, the Noosphere, carrying the crew of the 29th seasonal expedition, set off from Antarctica to the Chilean port of Punta Arenas. The Drake Passage can be particularly stormy at this time of year.

The researchers are expected to arrive in Punta Arenas in late March.

As reported by Ukrinform, the research vessel Noosphere with the team of the 30th Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition reached the Vernadsky Antarctic base on March 15.

Photo: National Antarctic Research Centre