GEOMAR Ocean Observation Services
+++ NEWS: GEOMAR Ocean Observation Services is on site:
from 14 to 18 September at the IRSO Meeting in Cardiff and from 15 to 17 September at the ICOS Science Meeting in Lund +++
GEOMAR Ocean Observation Services (GEOMAR OOS) provides the complete value chain for highest-quality pCO₂ measurements and related ocean observation services.
Drawing on more than 20 years of scientific expertise in ocean observation with focus on the marine carbon system, we support every step of the process - from system installation to CO2 data submission up to the world's leading CO2 data portals which, along with other sources, form the basis for the annual estimate of the ocean’s CO2 uptake (Global Carbon Budget) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report.
Our solutions have been successfully deployed on a wide range of platforms, including yachts, research vessels, cruise ships, and container vessels from renowned partners such as The Ocean Race, Malizia Explorer, Hurtigruten Expeditions, Atlantic Container Lines, R/V Celtic Explorer and Arved Fuchs Expeditions.
Our Services
Our services cover an end-to-end managed workflow of marine pCO₂ observations, from system planning and installation to maintenance and technical support. In addition, our experienced team manages the entire research permit application process, guiding projects from the initial application through final approval.
We provide continuous quality control during operation to ensure that the systems are working reliably, comprehensive data processing to create meaningful datasets, and submission to the world’s leading marine carbon data repository for surface ocean pCO2 data (The Surface Ocean CO₂ Atlas, SOCAT) to ensure that your data have impact.
All datasets are generated according to the highest scientific standards and are traceable to their contributors' origin, ensuring long-term archiving and global accessibility. Depending on the measurement setup, your observations contribute to trusted, policy-relevant datasets within international data infrastructures that support major global assessments, including the Global Carbon Budget and IPCC reports. This creates measurable scientific impact and supports your sustainability reporting and informed decision-making.
Our systems are designed for reliable long-term operation, requiring only minimal onboard support.
We also produce CO₂ reference gases (calibrated against The Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS) reference gases) for sensor calibration, available both as part of our service portfolio and as a standalone product.
From Measurement to Impact
Installation → instrument selection and integration → Operation → sensor monitoring, maintenance, and calibration → Quality Control → data processing and validation → Global Databases → submission to international repositories such as SOCAT → Impact → trusted data supporting climate action, decision-making, and sustainability efforts.
Onboard Integration
Integration requires only access to uncontaminated seawater and approximately one hour of crew support per week. The installation can be completed during a single port call with minimal operational effort. Core parameters recorded include temperature, salinity, O₂, and pCO₂. Service packages are tailored individually to each vessel and operational setup.
Our track record includes the successful implementation and deployment of several solutions, as illustrated by the examples below.
Strategic Benefits - A Win for Everyone
By joining the GEOMAR OOS network, companies and vessel operators strengthen their sustainability profile, gain visibility through science-based partnerships, and contribute to global ocean research and climate assessments. Their efforts therefore have a direct and genuine impact and provide meaningful support for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)-related reporting. Cruise operators can additionally offer their guests a unique, purpose-driven experience by connecting them directly with ocean science and providing lasting recognition through a personalized Ocean Science Certificate.
Contact GEOMAR OOS
Contact GEOMAR OOS to discuss your tailored solution.
Following an initial consultation, we will provide an individual cost estimate.
Contact
Dr. Tobias Steinhoff | Head of GEOMAR Ocean Observation Services
oos(at)geomar.de
You operate the vessel.
We deliver trusted ocean observations with global impact.
