Research catamaran for estuaries and coastal waters

• Subject Area: Atmospheric Science, Oceanography and Climate Research
• Term: Funded in 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 558717087

The Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) at Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg has been conducting interdisciplinary marine research for over 30 years, with ICBM scientists leading multiple international and national research projects. As the only university-based institute for marine sciences in the federal state of Lower Saxony, a major focus is on research in the Wadden Sea and the coastal waters of the North Sea. In order to conduct meteorological and oceanographic measurements in the field, collect samples (for diverse biological, chemical and physical analyses), launch diving missions or carry out maintenance work on long-term installations for continuous data acquisition offshore, the scientists rely on the use of research boats and vessels. Due to the highly dynamic regime of currents, tides, waves and changeable weather in the German Bight, sea campaigns often have to be performed on demand. In addition, the shallow, but complex bathymetry of the Wadden Sea requires small-size vessels of high manoeuvrability and seaworthiness. To cope with these conditions and answer the research questions related to the coastal North Sea, ICBM’s own research vessel Otzum has been invaluable for the ICBM and its numerous national and international collaborations over the past 14 years. The 37-year-old Otzum needs to be replaced by a state-of-the-art research vessel, ensuring the high quality of coastal research in Lower Saxony - from marine basic and climate-related research to technology development. Moreover, the ICBM is an established university research institute addressing cutting-edge basic scientific questions, covering marine processes at different temporal and spatial scales, as for instance occurring in wind farms, marine protected areas (MPAs) or oceanic fronts, and therefore demand an expansion of the operational radius of the research activities conducted by the on-site research vessel. The objectives for the new vessel are: · Replacement of the existing research vessel Otzum and extension of the research area (coastal waters, estuaries and rivers) to the open North Sea · Interdisciplinary research with new focus on wind farms, submesoscale processes, sea surface, biodiversity and MPAs; · Improved implementation of the scientific objectives of current and future interdisciplinary collaborative DFG/MWK projects such as BASS, CREATE, DynaDeep, 70GW Offshore Wind as well as Collobrative Research Center (CRC) EcoMol and Cluster of Excellence (ExC) Ocean Floor. The new double-hull catamaran is longer than the old Otzum and operates in coastal waters, rivers, estuaries, and the North Sea. It meets ICBM research needs and broadens the user base. With hybrid-ready electric propulsion and advanced engine, it enables low-carbon, semi-autonomous sailing. Increased deck space and equipment support multi-sensor deployments, enhancing marine research for internal and external users.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Forschungskatamaran für Flussmündungen und Küstengewässer
• Instrumentation Group: 2400 Schiffe, Boote
• Applicant Institution: Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg
• Leader: Dr. Thomas Badewien