Research Vessels - SONNE
SONNE
The research vessel SONNE was built in 1969 as an industrial stern trawler. When marine resources became a topic on the 70s’ political agenda, the German government decided to buy the fishing vessel. In 1977 and 1978, the ship was converted into a research vessel for marine resources. It was equipped for seismic measurements, and the spacious working deck was adapted to the deployment of marine geology equipment. In 1991, the ship was modernized and made longer. Today, it is used for all fields of marine research.
Research activities on the SONNE focus on deep-sea ores and gas hydrates. Furthermore, the SONNE provides crucial data for the optimal positioning of seafloor seismometers, which are to be part of the GITEWS tsunami early warning system off Indonesia. A broad range of measuring equipment is available on board: a multibeam echosounder maps the sea floor, multi-channel seismics provide data on the structure of the earth’s crust, a camera sledge sends real-time footage of the sea floor.
The vessel usually cruises the Pacific and the Indian Ocean. During expeditions, 25 scientists can live and work on board. The SONNE has been serving science since 1977, and that comes at a price: At an age of 38, the vessel is getting too old to meet the demands of modern science on the high seas. Arrangements for the construction of a successor vessel are already being made.
The SONNE at a glance:
| Year of Construction: | 1969 |
| Owner: | Partenreederei MS SONNE |
| Operator: | RF Reedereigemeinschaft Forschungsschifffahrt GmbH Bremen |
| Port of Registry: | Bremen |
| Length: | 97.6 m |
| Beam: | 14.2 m |
| Draught: | max. 6.8 m |
| Speed: | max. 12.5 knots |
| Nautical Crew: | 26 Persons |
| Scientists: | 25 Persons |
News
05.01.2010
Opening of the new KDM Office in Brussels on 13 January weiter
