Research vessel Kronprins Haakon departs for 50‑day Arctic Ocean 2050 expedition

On July 23, the research vessel R/V Kronprins Haakon left the coal quay in Longyearbyen, Svalbard, to begin a 50‑day expedition toward the North Pole. The departure marks the launch of the Polhavet 2050 research program, a multinational effort aimed at advancing scientific understanding of Arctic climate dynamics and marine ecosystems.

The expedition will carry approximately 30 researchers and 20 crew members who will conduct a series of observations and experiments across the high‑latitude ocean. Over the course of the journey, the team will gather data on sea‑ice thickness, ocean temperature, and biogeochemical processes, contributing to long‑term models that assess the impacts of climate change in the polar region. The mission is scheduled to return in early September, delivering a comprehensive dataset to support future Arctic research and policy decisions.