The “Polarstern” is the most important tool in Germany’s polar research program. Since she was first commissioned the “Polarstern” has completed 27 expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctic. She was specially designed for working in the polar seas and is still the most sophisticated polar research vessel in the world. The “Polarstern” spends nearly 320 days a year at sea. Between November and March she usually sails to and around the waters of the Antarctic, while spending the Northern summer months in Arctic waters. The “Polarstern” is equipped with two fixed Becker Kort nozzles with a special ice-breaking profile in combination with a centre rudder for reliable manoeuvrability in the severe conditions of Artic and Antarctic ice.

POLARSTERN:
Length: 118.0 m
Breadth: 25.0 m
Draught: 11.21 m
Displacement: 17,300 t
Service speed: 16.0 kn