Carrying out Research at Sea

Launched in July 2019, MS Roald Amundsen cruise ship is the first of the two new hybrid-powered expedition ships in Hurtigruten’s fleet. Named after the Norwegian explorer who was first to cross Antarctica and reach the South Pole in 1911, the cruise ship carries vacationers interested in traveling to these frigid polar waters using battery power. Its hybrid drivetrain enables it to rely partially on electricity cutting its carbon emissions by up to 20 percent.

Marine scientific research

In addition to carrying tourists, scientists also embark on the MS Roald Amundsen, making use of its ice-fortified design specific for the frigid polar waters and collecting seawater as it travels on its commercial voyage. Part of their work includes analysis of levels of plankton, krill – essential for the survival of penguins – and pollutants such as microplastics.

The ship’s Science Center is equipped with seven ZEISS stereo microscopes and one ZEISS light microscope with polarization contrast. The scientists on board share their findings with the guests, such as water samples and their contents such as krill. The area is always accessible for all guests.

“The microscopes are mainly used under the supervision and guidance of the members of the expedition team. We accompany landings, give lectures on flora, fauna, culture, history, etc. and use the microscopes to give the guests a better understanding of the places visited, e.g. the fjord system in Antarctica”, Dr. Verena Meraldi, Chief Scientist at Hurtigruten, explained.

The lab is equipped with touch screens and a virtual reality station and passengers will be encouraged to become involved, for example, by taking photographs of whale fins to track the mammals’ migrations. Four large screens help illustrate educational talks and show live footage from underwater drones sent out to investigate wildlife.

The Amundsen Science Center is packed with state-of-the-art technology and high-tech gadgets such as touch screens and science equipment:

Image courtesy: Agurtxane Concellon | Hurtigruten

Guest scientists and citizen science

Future guest scientists that conduct their research on board will share it in real time with the guests. For example, Dr. Richard Kirby, Secchi Disk Study main scientist, will be on board for a trip planned in February 2020 (read more about his research here). PhD Student Allison Cusick from the SCRIPPS Institution of Oceanography will join the first Antarctic trip in November 2019. Data collection for her PhD is based on the Citizen Science project FjordPhyto. She wants to determine the impact of increased meltwater input from glaciers on the phytoplankton communities in Antarctic and Arctic fjords, which are the world’s fastest warming places. Phytoplankton is the base of the Antarctic food web. Changes here will have repercussions all the way to the highest trophic level.

More information on ZEISS stereo microscopes

Join marine biologist Wayne Brown for a walk around MS Roald Amundsen