Coastal fisheries research ship UTHÖRN

The new UTHÖRN for the Alfred-Wegener-Institut, measuring 35 metres long, will be the first seaworthy German ship powered by environmentally friendly, low-emissions methanol, setting new standards for sustainability in German shipping. The two modified diesel engines with a combined output of 600 kW provide electricity for the ship’s two electric motors. In addition to a large working deck with dry and wet laboratories, the new UTHÖRN features two derrick booms for trawling nets and water samplers, a multi-frequency echosounder for detecting and identifying schools of fish, and an anti-roll tank, which can stabilise the ship on choppy seas. Accordingly, it offers marine researchers of all disciplines an outstanding platform to learn the tools of their trade – which is also one of its core functions. Like its eponymous predecessor (a 30-metre-long cutter commissioned in 1982), the ship will not only make valuable contributions to coastal research, but also offer students cruises on the North Sea, giving them the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the heavy gear used in field research.