– Research in the Arctic is becoming increasingly important for understanding climate change and its consequences. It is gratifying that the government has identified polar research as critical for Sweden’s position as a leading research nation, something made possible not least thanks to the icebreaker Oden, one of the world’s leading infrastructures in ship-based polar research, says Katarina Gårdfeldt, Director-General of the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat.

The Government’s strategy for the Arctic region states that the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat will investigate possibilities for access to a heavy, polar-classified climate-neutral research vessel that can be used all year round, something that is appreciated by Katarina Gårdfeldt.

– In a not too distant future, Oden will need to be replaced and it is therefore very positive that the need for a new ship is highlighted in the strategy. This is a priority issue for us at the secretariat and also a prerequisite for Sweden to maintain its leading position in polar research.

Furthermore, the Arctic strategy emphasizes Abisko Scientific Research Station as an important logistics platform when it comes to environmental research in the Arctic. The station is part of the research infrastructure for which the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat is responsible, and at the station there is an extensive environmental monitoring program that has been going on for more than 100 years. Every year, Abisko Scientific Research Station receives around 400 researchers, both Swedish and foreign.