Sustainability at every level
At the Skagerak Facility, sustainability is more than a goal – it’s a guiding principle in everything we do. From low-emission technology and responsible waste management at sea, to ethical procurement and long-term planning on land, we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint and enabling marine research that supports a sustainable future.
Sustainability at the Skagerak Facility
Sustainability and environmental responsibility are at the core of all operations at the Skagerak Facility – both at sea aboard R/V Skagerak and on land. From the outset, the vessel has been designed and operated with a strong focus on ecological, social, and economic sustainability.
The goal is clear: to enable marine research that respects the surrounding world – today and for future generations.
When the day eventually comes for R/V Skagerak to be decommissioned, we want to ensure full transparency about the materials used and what can be safely recycled. For this reason, strict environmental, ethical, and social requirements were integrated into the vessel’s design and construction.
For example, all products manufactured under contract for the vessel complied with the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) core conventions on decent working conditions. In addition, the shipyard was selected based on its certified environmental management system, minimising the risk of negative environmental impact during construction.
R/V Skagerak is powered by low-sulphur fuel that meets strict emission standards for nitrogen oxides. The vessel is also equipped with an onboard sewage treatment system and a ballast water management system – critical tools for preventing the spread of invasive species during expeditions.
Nothing is discharged at sea
All waste aboard R/V Skagerak is handled responsibly. Recycling and waste facilities are dimensioned according to the number of people on board, and no waste is ever discharged overboard.
Materials used in the ship’s construction were carefully selected to minimise harm to human health and the environment. Hazardous substances, such as certain flame retardants, plasticisers, and cadmium- or chrome-plated materials, were explicitly excluded in the procurement specifications.
Together, these efforts reflect our long-term commitment to responsible marine operations. At the Skagerak Facility, sustainability is not an afterthought – it is built into every decision we make, from ship design to daily routines at sea and on land.