Handbook POLARSTERN

Guidelines for the planning and implementation of expeditions with RV POLARSTERN

 The Research vessel Polarstern was commissioned on the 9th December 1982. The vessel is owned by the German Government and is provided to the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research in the Helmholtz Association as a large scale facility by the Minister of Science and Education. The construction type and properties were determined by the requirement to have a dual function both as a research and supply vessel in polar regions of the Northern and Southern Hemi-sphere. This resulted in the necessity for an icebreaker, on the one hand and a sturdy ocean going vessel capable of traversing long distances on the other. RV Polarstern was completely overhauled between 1998 and 2001 (midlife conversion) in order to meet the most advanced technical standards and prolong the total service life by another 10 to 15 years.

This manual provides some information on the technical status, available gear and equipment, as well as safety installations on RV Polarstern. It also provides a guideline for the planning and implementation of expeditions.

The manual was compiled by AWI employees, the shipping company F. Laeisz (Bremerhaven) GmbH, FIELAX GmbH as well as the RV Polarstern crew. B. Chiaventone compiled the layout and title page. It is based on the first edition in German which was published in June 2006 and adapted to the present situation. The translation to English occurred by Gerhard Dieckmann. The editors would like to thank all involved for their contributions and excellent collaboration.

Bremerhaven, July 2007
Saad El Naggar and Eberhard Fahrbach