Double ship operation concluded SWERVE's CTD workshop
R/V Svea and R/V Skagerak. Photo: Filip Stedt
Two research vessels side by side at sea is an unusual sight – but on Friday, R/V Svea and R/V Skagerak joined forces when SWERVE's workshop series on CTD profiling concluded with a cross-calibration in Danafjorden, near Gothenburg.
– We face similar challenges, and that is why it is incredibly valuable to meet and share experiences. It’s even more rewarding to do something practical together. I also find it very interesting to visit other vessels and see how they’ve solved various technical challenges, says IT technician Martin Jansson from the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat.
He is one of 17 participants who spent the day aboard SLU's R/V Svea and Gothenburg University's R/V Skagerak, as the national infrastructure SWERVE hosted a workshop on CTD (Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth) for the third time.
New contacts and valuable knowledge
During the day, participants had the chance to apply their knowledge by performing field measurements, analysing data from both vessels alongside experts from SMHI, and discussing the significance of data analysis for marine research and monitoring.
A key component was the successful cross-calibration between Svea and Skagerak, ensuring that the onboard equipment functions optimally and that data from both vessels is comparable and reliable.
Several participants emphasised the importance of this type of knowledge exchange, noting that SWERVE’s marine infrastructure could play a crucial role in facilitating this in the future.
– Providing participants with opportunities to develop their knowledge and connect with others who have similar roles in different organizations are two key reasons why SWERVE organises these workshops. I’m looking forward to launching further workshops in 2025, says SLU’s ship coordinator Björn Lindell.
Marine technicians – take note!
SWERVE is currently working to identify the topics that marine technicians are most interested in for the next series of workshops. Those interested in influencing the subject selection are invited to share their preferences via this link.
About Swerve
SWERVE (Swedish Research Vessel Infrastructure for Marine Research) is a national infrastructure funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR). SWERVE aims to improve the accessibility of vessels, equipment, technical expertise and data for the Swedish marine research community.
SWERVE is a consortium with the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat, the Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU), SMHI, Stockholm University, Umeå University and the University of Gothenburg. Together, these organizations have access to six advanced research vessels - R/V Svea, R/V Electra, S/V Ocean Surveyor, KBV 181, I/B Oden and R/V Skagerak, as well as infrastructure for data management and support via the National Oceanographic Data Center.
