Our Vessel

On board there are, altogether, nine laboratories, 16 winches, four cranes, two on-board helicopters for scientific and logistic missions, and a multi-beam sonar system that measures the seabed morphology. Additional laboratory containers can be stowed on and below deck.

Since 1982, international teams of scientists on the German research icebreaker "Polarstern" have been investigating the atmosphere, sea ice, and ocean, as well as geology and geophysics of the seabed in the polar regions of our planet.

The ship was brought into service on December 9, 1982. The first expedition took the scientists to Antarctica. Since then, the research icebreaker has been at sea almost 310 days a year. Between November and March, "Polarstern" is usually operating around Antarctica, and in the northern summer in Arctic waters.

The sea - in turmoil. While the storm is raging outside, we sit in the warm chamber of our cruise leader and leaf through the guest books of "Polarstern" page by page. It is unbelievable what this ship has experienced since it was put into service in 1982.

Prominent "Polarstern" guests have also signed the book: a black and white photo shows former German Chancellor Helmut Schmid and his wife Loki. They were on board during a trip from Longyearbyen to Hamburg. Their entry of July 7, 1989: "We learned a lot of new things, met friendly people and felt at home.

On every German research vessel, the guest books are a well-kept treasure. Every expedition is elaborately designed by the scientists on several pages with drawings, texts and photos - as a thank you to the captain and his crew. Our captain, Moritz Langhinrichs, is just bringing the very first "Polarstern" book. Thickly bound in brown leather, it is full of memories.

Far away from home, where people celebrate the opening of the Wall, ten men are sitting in the eternal ice of Antarctica. They work at the "Georg Forster" station, which was operated by the GDR. "When we left the old GDR for Antarctica on 17 October 1989, no one could even have imagined the historical events that led to reunification. Despite cold weather on the icy continent and strong political storms at home, we continued our scientific work undaunted," they write in the guest book. Their mission in Antarctica lasted three years, from 1989 to 1991. Then, three months after reunification, they had the chance to travel home: "The news of our return home on board "Polarstern" was received with joy by all. Entering the ship was our first contact with the "new" Germany. The warm and open welcome on board made it easier for us to settle in. Through many conversations we gained insights into the new life and the German research landscape. Many thanks for everything the Forsterians say", they said.

Twice a year, the ship regularly goes to the shipyard.

In the shipyard "Polarstern" gets ready for the next expedition.

POLARSTERN

Length: 118 m

Width: 25 m

Draft: 11 m

Research Area: Polar Regions

Home port: Bremerhaven