The new G.O. Sars

The Institute of Marine Research (IMR) and the University of Bergen (UiB) joined forces to build a new, state-of-the-art research vessel. It was officially launched 7 May, 2003 in Bergen. Called the G.O. Sars after a renowned Norwegian marine biologist, it is one of the most advanced RV in the world (more about the Sars family - in Norwegian and English).

"G.O. Sars" represents a new generation of marine research vessels. With its vibration- and noise-damped diesel generators and its propellers driven by direct current motors, "G.O. Sars" is an extremely quiet vessel under way. It emits 99 percent less noise under water than conventional research vessels.

The "G.O. Sars" is equipped with state-of-the-art technology in order to carry out a wide variety of research work. Examples of the kind of research work the vessel is capable of carrying out include: pelagic and bottom trawling, plankton sampling, CTD/rosette operations, towed body operations, hydrographic operations, water sampling, miscellaneous kinds of environmental sampling, grabbing and coring, hydro-acoustic research work, seismic operations.

Information about G.O. Sars is also available on the IMR web site.