Bremerhaven – Fram Strait – Bremerhaven: since 24 May, the Polarstern has once again been underway. Her goal: to gather samples from the Arctic waters between Greenland and Svalbard. For five weeks, the crew and researchers will live together in cramped quarters on board the icebreaker. People run into each other on the working deck, in the gangways, in the break rooms or on the bridge. Time to ask a few questions.
How many trips on board the Polarstern does this make for you?
At least two trips per year for 17 years, so more than 34.
What are your duties on board?
I’m responsible for network and system administration.
What was the biggest surprise when you first came on board?
My workplace. I didn’t expect that I wouldn’t have any windows.
What’s the biggest difference between working on the Polarstern and other ships?
Where we travel, of course, plus there are more resources here, so I can do more work.
What’s your favourite part of the ship?
The helideck, but only without the helicopters.
When you travel, what do you absolutely have to take along?
Headphones.
What do you do after hours?
First get something to eat, and then try to take my mind off work.
Sauna, or watching for whales on deck?
Watching for whales! But I haven’t seen any yet on this cruise.
What do you think is special about living and working on the Polarstern?
The community, it brings so many different people together.
The Arctic or Antarctic?
The Antarctic!