February expedition cancelled

The Board of Fisheries' has found asbestos aboard their research vessel Argos, which SMHI also use for regular offshore monitoring. SMHI have therefore had to cancel the February expedition.

During routine maintenance of the Board of Fisheries’ research vessel Argos, asbestos was found in a number of communal areas. As a result, the Board of Fisheries has forbidden access to the vessel. We are awaiting a decision concerning subsequent repairs.

SMHI uses Argos for regular offshore monitoring. While this has not been possible during February, we continue to investigate the possibility of chartering other vessels to complete the planned monthly monitoring.

Expedition in March performed despite problems

The expedition is currently underway with personnel from SMHI’s Oceanographic Laboratory on board the RV Franklin, a research vessel chartered from MMT (Marin Mätteknik AB) in Västra Frölunda). A expedition in April may also be possible using the same vessel.