Suche
Mein Konto
Research ship Atair starts: three-dimensional North Sea survey!
The research ship "Atair" will start in Bremerhaven on July 22, 2025 to survey the North Sea in order to analyze important environmental parameters.
Research ship Atair starts: three-dimensional North Sea survey!
The research vessel “Atair” set off from Bremerhaven today on an impressive three-and-a-half-week voyage that not only covers 3,500 nautical miles to Aberdeen in Scotland, but also aims to create a comprehensive three-dimensional picture of the North Sea. This information is provided by the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), which carries out the current measurements in collaboration with the Helmholtz Center Hereon. The data is crucial to analyze the physicochemical state of the ocean and gain an overview of more than 20 environmental parameters, including temperature, salinity and oxygen levels.
As the BSH reports, the latest measurements are particularly exciting because they show the influence of large rivers such as the Elbe and Rhine on the North Sea ecosystem. An increasing amount of fresh water from these rivers has reduced salinity in the sea. This could have far-reaching impacts on marine biodiversity and is a key aspect of ongoing research. In recent years, these annual surveys have been introduced so that we can better understand and document the state of the North Sea.
Important measuring stations and technical requirements
During the expedition, a total of 111 measuring stations will be visited to carry out various physical and chemical measurements. The ship “Atair”, which entered service in 2021 and is equipped with LNG propulsion, can accommodate 18 crew members and 15 scientists in modern laboratories. The BSH also plans to locate underwater obstacles in important sea areas. Critical infrastructure such as data cables and pipelines is not the focus, but experts still warn about the dangers of sabotage in the North Sea.
The data collected during this survey is not only important for scientists, but is also incorporated into international climate reports. A notable portion of the information collected will be summarized in the ICES Report on Ocean Climate (IROC), scheduled for publication at the end of 2025. This report will analyze changes in the oceans in detail, particularly with regard to climatic influences.
Climate change and ocean research
The North Sea measurements come in the context of an increasingly pressing question: How will climate change affect the oceans? Many aspects of ocean currents are still poorly understood, despite their enormous importance for global transport, food production and tourism. The findings from this and similar research trips could help to better understand future changes and develop appropriate measures.
Given the enormous challenges posed by climate change, it is essential that countries like Germany take innovative measures in ocean research. The BSH is a pioneer in this regard, as it is the only nation to carry out a comprehensive and structured survey of the North Sea.
The “Atair” expedition once again shows the commitment of German marine research and initiates a critical phase in which knowledge about our oceans and their condition is of the utmost importance for future generations.