Arctic Ocean, 21 August 2026

The rhythm of the expedition is beginning to take shape as the researchers, staff of the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat and Oden’s crew find smooth and efficient ways of working together. With many newcomers on board, extensive experience is combined with curiosity and enthusiasm. Everyone must learn their way around the ship and how to work safely to prevent accidents and injuries.

The start of the expedition involves safety briefings, instructions and so-called toolbox talks, during which we discuss how to work safely in areas such as the aft deck. We identify the main hazards and consider how incidents can be avoided through the use of personal protective equipment and the careful positioning of personnel. We also review every stage of a planned operation before the work actually begins.

Once the expedition has been under way for a while, the routines become established. Everyone on board has found their role, knows what is expected and the work runs smoothly. Welcome breaks from the routine are appreciated, such as a recent birthday celebration with cake during the afternoon coffee break. One evening, teacher Henrik Swärd and author Andreas Norman organised a music quiz. It was an enjoyable event that combined live performances with challenging questions.

Everyone on board is immersed in expedition life, which revolves around meals, rest periods and shifts in the laboratories, on deck and at stations on the sea ice. Much of our time is currently devoted to Oden’s support of CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent, which is carrying out seismic surveys of the geological conditions beneath the seabed. Oden must maintain as straight a course as possible along the planned survey lines, regardless of the thickness of the ice. CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent follows steadily behind Oden, towing seismic survey equipment on a long cable.

As it is not possible to stop for activities such as CTD water sampling or sediment sampling from the seabed, much of the research is currently being conducted using instruments that collect data continuously on board while Oden is under way. Researchers are also flown by helicopter to stations on the sea ice. The researchers working at these stations endeavour to collect data and samples for the other research work packages on board as well.

The next extended research station, when Oden can stop for a few hours, is planned for Saturday morning. CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent will then pause its operations for scheduled maintenance of the seismic equipment. We hope to use the opportunity to carry out CTD water sampling and deploy the multinet sampler carried on board.

Text: Åsa Lindgren, Expedition Coordinator