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Centre for Geobiology

01.12.2008 - Meeting the polar challenge

Building on discussions that began in 2005, the European Science Foundation established a consortium of 16 national institutions, funding agencies and companies from 10 European countries in 2006 as part of the European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI).

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European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures (ESFRI)

The goal is to build the most advanced Polar Research Vessel in the world. Named the Aurora Borealis, the research icebreaker will be an optimised science platform, that will make it possible for European researchers to undertake long, international and interdisciplinary year-round expeditions to the polar regions.

The ship will be able to undertake a broad spectrum of research from deep-sea drilling to climate and environmental research.

It will have a number of state-of-the-art technology features such as: dynamic positioning in closed sea-ice cover, advanced ice forecasting, autonomous, multiple helicopter support and deployment of ROVs and AUVs from twin moonpools.

Its deep drilling rig will be able to access the sea-floor through waters as deep as 5000m and drilling as deep as 1000m into the sea-floor. (more technical details)

As a multi-functional, state-of-the-art research platform, the Aurora Borealis will enable European researchers to engage in front-line, multi-disciplinary research that will provide valuable input and advice for governments and stakeholders for the next 35-40 years. Read the official flyer.