CIRFA has sucessfully conducted its first research cruise on remote sensing and modelling of oil pollution in the marine environment

RV Helmer Hansen left Tananger 11 June and returned back 14 June after a successful cruise in the North sea at the abandoned Frigg field. During this timeframe CIRFA scientists in collaboration with The Norwegian Clean Seas Association for Operating Companies (NOFO), German Aerospace Center (DLR) and several international research partners conducted a scientific oil-on-water experiment. This experiment involved measurements of oil slicks and ocean by sensors from high up in space to down at the sea floor; satellites, aircraft, drones, met/ocean bouys, CTD (conductivity, temperature and density), in-situ sampling of oil types and a moored ADCP (Accustic Doppler current profiler). The campaign was planned, organized and conducted as a joint WP3, WP4, WP5 and WP7 effort. The measurements collected are currently being processed and researchers are eager to enter the next stage of data analysis and method development for improved detection, characterization and drift prediction oil spills in open water. Thanks to NOFO for all the support and help on the logistics and to the awesome crew on RV Helmer Hansen.

CIRFA scientists and international research partners onboard RV Helmer Hansen in the North Sea June 2019 during NOFO’s annual oil-on-water campaign. Photo by RV Helmer Hansen crew member Stein Hansen.