ID :
312805
Mon, 01/06/2014 - 06:03
Auther :

Japanese Icebreaker Berths near Antarctic Base

Tokyo, Jan. 5 (Jiji Press)--A Japanese icebreaker berthed near the country's Antarctic post Saturday on a mission to transport researchers and supply goods following two consecutive years of failed attempts, the government said Sunday. The 12,650-ton Maritime Self-Defense Force ship Shirase arrived at a point about 600 meters from Showa Station, a distance that enables pipeline transportation of fuel oil, at 10:30 p.m. Saturday (1:30 p.m. GMT). A main unit of Japan's 55th Antarctic research expedition team aboard the Shirase was already sent to the base by helicopter on Dec. 14 last year. The Shirase will return to Tokyo on April 7. Blocked by thick ice and snow, the Shirase gave up its attempts to berth, at a point 18 kilometers of the base for the 54th expedition team and 21 kilometers for the 53rd team. END

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