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

Infrastructure Webpage

Visit Website

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

Length

Width

Height (incl. draft for USV)

Weight in Air

Total System Weight

Payload

Endurance (AUV, Gliders, USV)

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)

Thrusters

Cameras

Positioning (USBL, etc.)

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

Manipulators

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

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.)

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.)

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

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NorSOOP

Norwegian Ships of Opportunity Program (NorSOOP) for marine and atmospheric research

Integrating Research Infrastructures – Connecting Scientists – Enabling Transnational Access

for healthy and sustainable marine and freshwater ecosystems