MacArtney Support Pioneering Arctic Research Expedition

MacArtney Germany has recently designed and delivered an underwater ice camera system for the research vessel, the R/V Polarstern - a German icebreaker embarking on a global climate mission to investigate and research previously inaccessible regions during an Arctic winter.

The MOSAiC International Arctic Drift Expedition, led by the Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research, will collect vital data on climate change over the course of the year.

With a total of 600 scientists from 19 nations taking part over the course of a year, the expedition will complete research on top and beneath the Arctic ice shield, to better understand how changes in the Arctic impact global climate change.

MacArtney LUXUS under-ice camera system

Delivered from MacArtney operations across the globe, the under-ice camera system comprises of several components including LUXUS HD cameras and LUXUS High Power LEDs, powered by 550 metres of hybrid cable. The package additionally includes an EMO Mini-T Multiplexer and TrustLink stress termination completed with OptoLink and SubConn® connectors.

The hybrid cable, manufactured to resist air temperatures as low as minus 45 degrees, along with the rugged design and reliable performance of the TrustLink stress termination ensures safe power supply between the surface and the frozen depths — all deployed by the MacArtney CORMAC B manual drive winch.

Working together, MacArtney Germany, conceptualised, designed, engineered and mounted the underwater ice camera system as well as providing software for operation and data recording. With the help of the MacArtney Group operations, MacArtney Germany delivered a fit for purpose system solution, highlighting the MacArtney Group as a collaborative team.

Providing system solutions, big or small to ocean science ventures is frequently at the heart of what MacArtney does. As a well-positioned global company, we have the expertise and knowledge to create innovative system solutions for a range of applications to support our customers’ needs.

MacArtney wishes the MOSAiC International Arctic Drift Expedition a safe and successful year. We look forward to following the progress of the expedition in the coming months.