The Ukrainian icebreaker "Noosfera" transported British polar explorers to Antarctica

The Ukrainian icebreaker "Noosphere" successfully delivered an expedition team and cargo to "Rothera," the largest British Antarctic station. 

According to the National Antarctic Scientific Center, the ship facilitated a personnel rotation: it delivered seven future overwinterers and picked up 35 specialists from the seasonal and annual teams. Rothera Station is located one day’s voyage south of the Ukrainian base “Akademik Vernadsky.”

During the voyage, Ukrainian and British scientists conducted joint oceanographic research as part of the international Polomints project. The specialists took measurements and collected seawater samples, which is critical for studying the impact of global climate change on the coastal Antarctic ecosystem. Such cooperation strengthens the scientific potential of both countries in the polar regions.

The current fifth season of the “Noosphere” is marked by broad international integration. In addition to the United Kingdom, Ukraine is currently coordinating logistical and research efforts with partners from Poland, the Czech Republic, the United States, Mexico, and Colombia. Despite having its own modern vessel, the Sir David Attenborough, the British side is actively engaging a Ukrainian icebreaker to optimize the operations of its Antarctic stations.

For the first time in history, a woman will lead the expedition to the “Academician Vernadsky” station.

Ukrainian polar explorers set a record in the Wikipedia Science Image Contest.