SONNE

The research vessel “SONNE”

The research vessel “SONNE”

© MARUM − Zentrum für Marine Umweltwissenschaften, Universität Bremen / T. Klein

The commissioning of the new SONNE on 17 November 2014 marked the beginning of a completely new era for the German research fleet in terms of its technological capacity. The vessel is available to all marine science disciplines and is used primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. 

Future scientific challenges include not only applied research topics relating to climate change, the protection of marine ecosystems and the use of marine resources, but also basic research.

Technical Data

Length116 m
Cruising speed12.5 kn
Maximum time at sea52 days
Scientific personnel (max.):40 persons
Technical detailsSONNE Handbook(externer Link)
Operating areasIndian Ocean, Pacific Ocean
Lead time for cruise proposalsTwo to three years
OwnerFederal Republic of Germany (represented by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, BMFTR)

Further Information

The research vessel SONNE(externer Link) online.

The website of the Fleet Coordination Centre also features a virtual tour(externer Link) of the SONNE. Feel free to take a look around on board.

Read more on the subject "10 years with the new SONNE"(externer Link).