The ‘Heincke’ was designed for long term cruises throughout the North Atlantic. She offers work places and accommodation for 12 scientists and 8 staff members. The operating range of this low noise ship is about 7500 nautical miles (= 30 passage days). The ship has an average of 200 passage days per year. Four laboratories (wet, dry, constant temperature, and multi use) offer almost vibration-free work places. The supply of seawater and compressed air is possible in each laboratory. The ship is equipped with several winch systems, cranes, and sonar systems, which allow a wide range of biological and hydrodynamic research applications. Scientific coordinator is Dr. Rainer Knust.