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NEW RESEARCH VESSEL R/V "KRONPRINS HAAKON" - MGG CONSIDERATIONS

«Kronprins Haakon» – new research vessel for polar operations (image source: Norsk Polarinstitutt). It is built to Polar Class "PC3" standard, which means: Year-round operation in second-year ice which may include multi-year ice inclusions. Refer to IACS document "Unified Requirements for Polar Ships" which standardizes global ice classification specifications.

Vessel is built by shipyard in Muggiano (La Spezia), Italy, which is part of the Fincantieri Group. She was launched 28 February 2017. Fittings continue at that site until delivery, which is scheduled by the end of 2017. Here is the yard's press release from the launching. Click to visit Norwegian Polar Institute (vessel owner) news on launch ceremony. Image source: Norw. Polar Institute.

The new vessel will be furnished with diesel-electric propulsion. Two aft azimuth thrusters each 5 MW should enable the vessel to break 1 m thick ice with a continuous speed of 5 knots, and keep 10 knots if ice thickness is reduced to 40 cm. It is approx 100 m long and 21 m wide. To put this into perspective, the German research vessel fleet flagship - R/V "Polarstern" - measures 118/25 m; twin variable pitch propellers each 7 MW permits her to break through ice 1.5 m thick at a speed of 5 knots.

This web page presents University of Bergen considerations related to MGG (Marine Geology & Geophysics) on the new research vessel "Kronprins Haakon". In this area we seek cooperation and coordination with University of Tromsø, Department of Geology who is also involved in a broad range of MGG activities.

MINUTES OF MEETINGS, GEO-UiB RELATED

Minutes of meetings related to GEO/UiB part of the delivery.

MARINE GEOLOGY & GEOPHYSICS (MGG) INSTRUMENTATION / EQUIPMENT

Rules and standards

Precedence order of rules is normally (and the most restricting rule shall apply):

• Selected class
• SOLAS
• International applicable regulations and codes
• Flag state regulations

ARCTIC SEISMIC DATA ACQUISITION

Acquisition of seismic data in ice is difficult and challenging. We will here present how others are planning and executing such surveys.

¹⁾ Credits M.L. for mentioning.

Future topic sections:

• Dual-ship operation
• Icebreaker leading
• Single-ship operation
• Streamer deployment
• Airgun deployment

DESIGN / ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS

If design, engineering or drawing assistance is required in relation to seismic electrical installations we could consider contacting these companies:

• Ulstein Elektro Installasjon AS
• Vest Elektro Maritim AS
• GMC Electro
• Vassnes Solutions AS

OTHER RESEARCH VESSELS

It is possible to ask managers of other research vessels for advise regarding seismic operations, equipment details, cable arrangements ...

• IRSO - International Research Ship Operators .. " is a group of research ship operators representing 49 organisations from 30 countries who manage over 100 of the world’s leading marine scientific research vessels. "
• International Research Ship Operators Film 2014. RV Polarstern leads the pack, perhaps not a coincidence ...
• University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) ".. is an organization of 62 academic institutions and National Laboratories involved in oceanographic research and joined for the purpose of coordinating oceanographic ships' schedules and research facilities."

O.M., 31 March 2016

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