POLARSTERN
The research vessel “POLARSTERN”
© Alfred-Wegener-Institut / Tim Kalvelage
With a length of 118 metres, a cruising speed of 10.5 knots and a maximum endurance of 75 days at sea, the POLARSTERN is one of the most capable research vessels in operation.
Purpose-built for polar research, it operates in both the Arctic and Antarctic. The vessel provides space for up to 50 researchers working in the areas of biology, geology, geophysics, glaciology, chemistry, oceanography and meteorology.
Technical Data
| Length | 118 m |
| Cruising speed | 10.5 kn |
| Maximum time at sea | 75 days |
| Scientific personnel (max.): | 50 persons |
| Technical details | (externer Link) |
| Operating areas | Arctic and Antarctic Oceans |
| Lead time for cruise proposals | Three to four years |
| Owner | Federal Republic of Germany (represented by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, BMFTR) |
Further Information
The research vessel (externer Link) online.
An order for a successor to POLARSTERN was placed at the end of 2024. If you intend to submit a proposal to use the successor vessel for cruises from 2031 onwards, please contact the POLARSTERN scientific coordinator, (externer Link), beforehand.
Further information can be found (externer Link).