Par researchers complete rotation at Ukrainian Antarctic base

This was reported by the press service of the National Antarctic Research Center, as reported by Ukrinform.

The days on duty were “very intense,” the scientists said.

Due to strong winds and difficult ice conditions, unloading a year's supply of food, materials and fuel took a considerable amount of time. In order to deliver everything to the base and remove the research samples and waste accumulated over the year, the researchers worked from dawn until late at night.

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

Read also: Ukrainian Antarctic expedition arrives at Academician Vernadsky station

At the same time, the participants of the 29th Antarctic mission shared their knowledge and experience in conducting research, servicing instruments and ensuring base security.

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

To the sounds of the Ukrainian anthem, the base commanders raised the 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, left Antarctica for the Chilean port of Punta Arenas. The Drake Passage can be particularly rough at this time of year.

Park 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 arrived at the Vernadsky Antarctic Base on March 15.

Photo: National Antarctic Research Centre