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Baltic Gliders

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RV
RV 2
AQUARIUS_RI_Baltic_Gliders2
RV launch

Infrastructure Profile

Infrastructure Provider

Location

Helsinki, Finland

Organisation & Address

Finnish Meteorological Institute, Erik Palménin aukio 1, 00560 Helsinki, Finland

Infrastructure Webpage 

Visit Website

Link to Vessel/Infrastructure Schedules (if applicable)

NA

Normal Area of Operation

Baltic Sea, from about 55°N to 66°N and 15°E to 28°E. It includes mainly the Bothnian Bay and Bothnian Sea on its northern part, but also the Gulf of Finland and Gulf of Riga for its southern part. Note that a permit will be needed if operating the glider in non-Finnish waters.

Maximum Number of Days Available

30 days per mission and per glider (total of maximum 160 days)

Overview

Depth Rating

30-200 m

Length

1.5 m (dependent upon configuration)

Width

hull diameter 22 cm (without wings)

Height (incl. draft for USV)

NA

Weight in Air

55 – 70 kg (dependent upon configuration)

Payload

Basic setup: CTD, fluorometer (Chl a, CDOM, backscatter) and Oxygen Optode; optional: Transmissiometer, LISST, hydrophone

Endurance (AUV, Gliders, USV)

Dependent upon mounted sensors and measurement frequency, usually max 30 days

Scientific and Technical Specifications

General Information

FMI has two baltic gliders (SLOCUM G2 and G3) that are specifically designed to operate in shallow brackish and highly stratified waters. The maximum operating depth is 200 m.

Vessel Requirements (if applicable)

NA

Thrusters

Although it is not used in normal conditions, the glider also includes a propeller for improved operability

Cameras

NA

Positioning (USBL, etc.)

GPS

Instruments/Scientific Payload

They are equipped with CTD, oxygen optode and fluorometer (chlorophyll, turbidity and CDOM). They can be equipped with a LISST, TAU transmissiometer or hydrophone in addition to the basic setting.

Optional Items

FMI is open to discuss the feasibility of mounting additional sensors on the glider

Manipulators

NA

TMS (Tether Management System (ROV ONLY)), LARS details (if applicable)

NA

Support offered to AQUARIUS users

FMI operating team will prepare the glider for operation and conduct deployment, piloting and recovery of the device. The support also includes battery supply, data transmission and sensor calibration costs, as well as near-real-time data processing and delivery.

Infrastructure Availability and Contact Details

Year 2025

Northern Baltic Sea (within 100 km from the Finnish coast – possibility to use also other parts of the Baltic Sea if a local ship for deployment and recovery is available and after clearance from local authorities; from about 55°N to 66°N and 15°E to 28°E. During the sea-ice free season (usually from April to November).

Year 2026

Northern Baltic Sea (within 100 km from the Finnish coast – possibility to use also other parts of the Baltic Sea if a local ship for deployment and recovery is available and after clearance from local authorities; from about 55°N to 66°N and 15°E to 28°E. During the sea-ice free season (usually from April to November).

Year 2027

Northern Baltic Sea (within 100 km from the Finnish coast – possibility to use also other parts of the Baltic Sea if a local ship for deployment and recovery is available and after clearance from local authorities; from about 55°N to 66°N and 15°E to 28°E. During the sea-ice free season (usually from April to November).

Contact email for applicants to discuss the initial feasibility of their work while they prepare their application

Ivia Closset and Kimmo Tikka at ivia.closset[at]fmi.fi and kimmo.tikka[at]fmi.fi

Certification and Clearance Requirements

Diplomatic clearances or permits required for area or type of activity

No permits are needed when operating the glider within 100 km from the Finnish coast. Diplomatic clearance is required for other parts of the Baltic Sea (non-Finnish waters)
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