Snow Dragon arrives at supply port

China's scientific expedition vessel, the Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, has arrived at the New Zealand city of Christchurch. The icebreaker is on the country's 26th Antarctic expedition. Its two-day stay is for bunkering and maintenance, and to take on fresh water supplies.

The Xuelong arrived at the port on Thursday, a day ahead of schedule.  Researchers are busy loading.

Yuan Shaohong, leader of 26th China Antarctic Expedition, said, "We don't have much time. There are the westerlies to cross, and much discharge work to do at the Changcheng Station. So we all have a sense of urgency."

It hasn't been all plain sailing. Last week, an alarm went off for one of the main engines.

Huang Rong, Chief Engineer of Xuelong, said, "We found nothing was flowing through the oil pipes. That meant a problem with the pump."

It took technicians over an hour to locate the problem and replace a faulty valve.

The captain says the Xuelong will leave New Zealand Friday night if weather permits.  It's expected to arrive at China's Changcheng station located south of King George Island before November 15th.