Research Vessel

For Citizen Science voyages, our intention is to build a new ship. For our research projects, we are planning a combination of a research and a cruise vessel with the following features:

- Passengers: approx. 300 with 150 cabins.
- Crew: approx. 50
- Dry and wet laboratories
- Small research boats and Zodiac inflatable dinghies for sampling and landing
- Cranes with water bailers
- Submarine drones and diving robots (ROV)
- Diving equipment and a hyperbaric chamber
- A helicopter landing deck
- An arboretum
- Several lecture halls of various sizes
- Marinas
- A hybrid or LNG drive

Guidance and support from experts:
Citizen Science trips provide access to experts from different scientific disciplines, such as marine biology, environmental science and climate research, who guide and support citizen scientists in their research activities.

Safe and comfortable accommodation:
Citizen Science journeys ensures that the accommodation on the ship is safe, comfortable and conducive to research activities. This includes amenities such as private cabins, numerous lecture and work spaces, and extensive research equipment.

Education and cultural experiences:
Citizen Science travellers are interested in learning more about the local culture, history and ecology of the areas and destinations they visit. Therefore, Citizen Science trips provide opportunities for cultural and educational experiences.

Networking:
Our guests want to connect with other like-minded individuals and researchers. Through Citizen Science trips we open up new opportunities for networking, collaboration and team building.

Accessible and affordable costs:
Citizen Science trips have accessible and affordable pricing options to enable a wide range of citizen scientists of different financial means to participate in science.

Ethical and responsible research practices:
Citizen Science trips ensure that all research activities are conducted ethically and responsibly, with appropriate protocols to protect the environment and ensure the safety of participants and wildlife.

Opportunities for skills development and personal growth:
Citizen Science trips provide opportunities for citizen scientists to expand their skills and knowledge through hands-on research experiences and to develop personally through travel and cultural experiences.

What is a research vessel?

A research vessel is a specially designed ship used for scientific purposes to gain knowledge about the world's oceans and their resources. It is an important part of oceanography, geology and marine biology.

These ships have a variety of scientific instruments and laboratories that enable researchers to carry out detailed measurements and sampling in the field. Some research vessels are also equipped with specialised equipment such as submersibles, cranes and deep-sea capable rovers to facilitate research activities in the deep ocean.

The research vessels are usually equipped with state-of-the-art communication and navigation systems that enable researchers to work safely and efficiently. They also have accommodation and recreational facilities for the crew and researchers who spend extended periods of time on the ship.

An important advantage of a research vessel is that it allows researchers to conduct their research directly in the ocean, rather than collecting samples and data from other sources. This allows them to gain a better understanding of the oceans and their ecosystems and make important discoveries in the field of marine research.

Research vessels equippment

The following scientific instruments and equipment may be present on a research vessel:

Measuring instruments for temperature, salinity and depth of the sea
Echosounder systems for mapping the seabed
Marine biological collection equipment such as nets and trawls
Hydrology instruments for measuring currents, waves and tides
Geological sampling tools such as drills and corers
Weather stations for monitoring weather conditions
Cameras and video equipment for documenting research results
Laboratory rooms and equipment for analysing samples
Submersibles and ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) for deep-sea research
Crane systems for lifting and transporting samples and equipment.

However, this is not an exhaustive list and the specific set of research instruments may vary from ship to ship,
depending on the research projects planned.

The MS Walther Herwig III is the largest of the three German fisheries research vessels. It is managed by the German Federal Office for Agriculture and Food. The ship is being used primarily by the Johann Heinrich von Thünen Institute. It is mainly used for research projects in the North Atlantic as well as the North and Baltic Seas.

The Walther Herwig III is due to be auctioned in the near future since a new ship is being built
(the MS Walter Herwig IV).

The MS Polar Pioneer is licensed to carry 54 passengers, is certified as ice class 1A Super, and has already been in operation as an expedition cruise ship. She is anchored in Denmark. The MS Polar Pioneer was being used by a Dutch expedition operator in the polar regions and has now been replaced by the new ship MS Honsius.

The MS Polar Pioneer was built in 1985 in Turku, Finland. As a citizen science vessel, the MS Polar Pioneer is particularly suitable for climate research in the polar regions due to her high ice class rating.