AQUARIUS Funding Call – Marine and Freshwater Infrastructure Access: Open 02 September 2025 – 28 October 2025
NorSOOP
Norwegian Ships of Opportunity Program (NorSOOP) for marine and atmospheric research
Infrastructure Profile
Infrastructure Provider
Location
Various: Oslo, Norway; Kiel, Germany; Bergen, Norway; Hirtshals, Denmark; Seydisfjordur, Iceland; Immingham, England; Rotterdam, Netherlands
Organisation & Address
NIVA, Økernveien 94, Oslo, NO-0579
Normal Area of Operation
MS Color Fantasy: Eastern North Sea (Oslo, Norway – Kiel, Germany)
MS Norbjørn: Barents Sea Opening (Tromsø, Norway Longyearbyen, Svalbard)
MS Connector: North Sea (Bergen, Norway – Rotterdam, Netherlands – Immingham, England)
MS Norrøna: North Sea and North Atlantic (Hirtshals, Denmark – Torshavn, Faroe Islands – Seydisfjordur, Iceland)
MS Trollfjord: Coastal Norway (Bergen, Norway – Kirkenes, Norway)
Maximum Number of Days Available
40 days
Scientists’ Travel and Logistics (T&L) Budget Available
€ 10,000.00
Overview
Depth Rating
NA
Length
NA
Width
NA
Height (incl. draft for USV)
NA
Weight in Air
NA
Total System Weight
NA
Payload
NA
Endurance (AUV, Gliders, USV)
NA
Scientific and Technical Specifications
General Information
On some FerryBoxes, some bench space with refrigerator, sink with freshwater, and electricity is available. There are generally 2 berths available on these ships, possibly more for the passenger cruise ships. Satellite internet connection available for data transfer and remote control.
Vessel Requirements (if applicable)
NA
Thrusters
NA
Cameras
NA
Positioning (USBL, etc.)
NA
Instruments/Scientific Payload
All FerryBoxes have SBE38 and SBE45 CTD sensors measuring seawater from 4-5 m depth; this sensor package also includes an oxygen optode and sensors for chl a fluorescence, cDOM fluorescence, and turbidity. ISCO refrigerated autosamplers for seawater and phytoplankton collection; a modified McLane PPS is also available for installation on a ship for filtering for chl, POC/N, pigments, etc.
All FerryBoxes can accommodate new instruments in dry, warm workspace. Seawater is pumped from 4-5 m depth on all ships. Deckboard instrument deployment is also available. NorSOOP also has a pool of advanced instruments that can be used that includes: Mclane IFCB (imaging flow cytobot), mini nutrient autoanalyzers, Mclane PPS (phytoplankton sampler), Chelsea LabSTAF (phytoplankton active fluorescence, a variety of ocean acidification sensors (pH, pCO2, CO3), microplastics samplers, passive samplers for contaminants, hyperspectral radiometry.
Optional Items
NA
Manipulators
NA
TMS (Tether Management System (ROV ONLY)), LARS details (if applicable)
NA
Support offered to AQUARIUS users
All installations are available to do research on oceanography, eutrophication, ocean acidification, biodiversity, chemistry, and biogeochemistry. NorSOOP has supported research activities of between 3 – 6 international users using the facility per year. Projects have ranged from technology developments (e.g., new sensor testing), sample collection for focused research projects, and other ocean observing efforts. Preparatory work, training, project setup, assistance, and data processing/analysis are all covered, if required. Dedicated NIVA personnel are available in Oslo and Bergen to assist with the installations. Preparations of tests and sensors are possible in advance at NIVA laboratories, NIVA’s field station, or on board ships. NorSOOPs lab instruments are also available for calibration and validation of marine sensors.
Infrastructure Availability and Contact Details
Year 2025
1) Eastern North Sea, North Sea, North Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, Barents Sea Opening (Arctic Ocean), and Coastal Norway (Norwegian Sea)
2) Available all months as long as ships of opportunity are in operation (e.g., except for when in drydock, maintenance, etc.)
3) Oslo, Norway; Kiel, Germany; Immingham, England; Rotterdam, Netherlands; Bergen, Norway; Hirtshals, Denmark; Seydisfjordur, Iceland; Torshavn, Faroe Islands; Tromsø, Norway; Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Year 2026
1) Eastern North Sea, North Sea, North Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, Barents Sea Opening (Arctic Ocean), and Coastal Norway (Norwegian Sea)
2) Available all months as long as ships of opportunity are in operation (e.g., except for when in drydock, maintenance, etc.)
3) Oslo, Norway; Kiel, Germany; Immingham, England; Rotterdam, Netherlands; Bergen, Norway; Hirtshals, Denmark; Seydisfjordur, Iceland; Torshavn, Faroe Islands; Tromsø, Norway; Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Year 2027
1) Eastern North Sea, North Sea, North Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, Barents Sea Opening (Arctic Ocean), and Coastal Norway (Norwegian Sea)
2) Available all months as long as ships of opportunity are in operation (e.g., except for when in drydock, maintenance, etc.)
3) Oslo, Norway; Kiel, Germany; Immingham, England; Rotterdam, Netherlands; Bergen, Norway; Hirtshals, Denmark; Seydisfjordur, Iceland; Torshavn, Faroe Islands; Tromsø, Norway; Longyearbyen, Svalbard
Contact email for applicants to discuss the initial feasibility of their work while they prepare their application
andrew.king[at]niva.no
Certification and Clearance Requirements
Diplomatic clearances or permits required for area or type of activity
None