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GEOMAR Research Vessels

Visual GEOMAR Research vessels

Research Vessel ALKOR

Visual GEOMAR Research vessels

Research Cutter LITTORINA

3D visualization of the new research vessel METEOR IV.

3D-visualization of the research vessel METEOR IV, currently under construction. Source: BMFTR

Research vessels of GEOMAR

With the research vessels "ALKOR", "LITTORINA" and "METEOR IV"  GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel operates three research vessels:
For both, "ALKOR" and "LITTORINA", the GEOMAR is responsible for the technical operation and the coordination of expeditions. Following its planned commissioning in 2026, the "METEOR IV" will also be managed by GEOMAR in terms of technical operation, while the planning and coordination of her research-expeditions are handled by the German Research Fleet Coordination Centre of the Universität of Hamburg.

Further information on the vessels, contact points, cruise schedules, and access to the OceanRep publication database, including cruise reports and weekly summaries from GEOMAR expeditions, can be found here and on the following pages via the menu on the right.

Research Vessel ALKOR
Regional marine research

Research Cutter LITTORINA
Local marine research

Research Vessel METEOR IV
Global marine research

Application for ship time and embarkation modalities
Here you can find forms to apply for ship time, group accident insurance as well as further instructions in terms of planning and attending a research cruise with ALKOR or LITTORINA.

Expeditions led by GEOMAR
Here you can find information about current, upcoming or completed expeditions led by GEOMAR.