After a snowy Bremerhaven departure on Dec 5th 2021 at 13:00, Polarstern made its way through the port, the locks and towards the English Channel.
Work began with the standard introduction to ship and safety drills, along with nightly scientific presentations from the chief scientist, bathymetry, parasound, OCEANET, Test Clean CTD, Polarstern II, and the german weather forecast. Traveling the Atlantic transit route, continuous measurements of bathymetry, seawater and atmospheric parameters are taken, hydroacoustic training is performed, and newly installed equipment is being tested. Polarstern seemed to have taken an overhaul during the last few months stay in the dry dock, with a newly installed kitchen, new bathymetry equipment and a coating of fresh paint applied, only a few of the many upgrades.
There are nine working groups on board: bathymetry, parasound training, OCEANET, SAT Clean CTD, logistic, shipping company, media, project Polarstern II, and the german weather service. Most groups will disembark halfway in Las Palmas, leaving only the OCEANET and bathymetry working groups. The scientific party is unique this voyage, consisting of half scientists and half company logistics, engineering or media personnel.
The working group for Polarstern II is onboard to carry out observations to learn how the scientists operate and to verify plans for the new ship. They delivered a presentation to both scientists and crew on at least what is allowed for public knowledge with regards to the new vessel.
The first week was met with quite the surprise. What felt like typical cloudy and grey winter weather in Germany, unfolded to a rapid cyclo genesis with winds of 9-10 beaufort and swell increased to 8-9 m within a very short time. This storm unfolded Dec 7th, just when we wanted to pass the Dover Strait. Acting quickly, the decision was made to head north to take shelter in the deep waters east of Harwich, We resided there for two more days, continually monitoring the weather forecast. As it happened, it was worse than expected with a weather warning announced and up to 14 m waves and 12+ beaufort winds in some areas off the coast of Ireland. It was a wise decision to delay the journey, much to the dismay of the scientists who had no choice but to reschedule flights from Las Palmas.
After the storms passing, we crossed the heavy ship-trafficked area of Dover Strait with views to both sides of the channel. It was observed that the Cliffs of Dover similarly resemble the Antarctic shelf ice.
The parasound training program began along with the first pings of the multibeam system.
In addition, following the instruments sea acceptance test, was the newly installed Test Clean CTD and winch container system. This was our first station on the 10th, in less than ideal conditions. There were long swells and depths greater than 4000m just outside the Bay of Biscay, but the winds proved calm once the ship positioned correctly. New devices always bring an element of uncertainty and excitement among scientists which could be felt in the air. All hands were on deck as the bottles were placed, the equipment rolled out, and the winch operators and crew at the ready. The descent logged interesting temperature and salinity data showing clearly visible water masses. All around it was an exciting first week.
Friday, crew and scientists completed a fire drill with simulated search and rescue scenarios, including extinguishing fire.
Best regards from RV Polarstern
Laura Hehemann (scief chientist)
