The Status Conference Research Vessels is an integral part of the process for allocating ship time on the German research vessels. The status conference usually takes place every two years, organised by a host marine research institution, with the support of the GPF office and PtJ on behalf of BMFTR.
The Status Conference Research Vessels took place at GEOMAR in Kiel on March March 04–05, 2026.
This website contains all the relevant conference information, including the cruise tracks, the agenda, the posters and the protocols from the breakout sessions.
Cruise Tracks
Here you will find links to the tracklines of the individual sessions of the Status Conference Research Vessels 2026, assigned by session topic. Cruise events for ELISABETH MANN BORGESE are available, but the corresponding trackline data are not yet included.
Breakoutsessions
Scientists and Crew in dialogue – working together and learning from each other – before, during and after the expeditions
Scientists as well as members of the crew and shipping companies emphasized the importance of early and continuous communication between science and crew before, during, and after a cruise, highlighting the key roles of the captain and chief scientist in managing expectations and ensuring a successful expedition.
OFEG and OFEG-Tech – a strong network for efficient marine research through exchange and technical cooperation
National and international members of OFEG as well as OFEG-Tech presented these strong networks for international cooperation in marine research, highlighting their history, participating nations, and the barter system that enables the exchange of ship time, equipment, and technical expertise between seafaring partners.
Coordination Group Ship – a network for the use of innovative large-scale equipment. An overview and exchange
Members of the Coordination Group ResearchVessels showcased available seagoing equipment for the community and explained how Coordination Group RV supports its use through technical expertise, ongoing maintenance, and guidance on the challenges of operating large-scale equipment at sea.
Protocol - Coordination Group Research Vessel
Transfer and Innovation (T&I): From the sea to patents – How can the potential of marine research be harnessed for innovation and technology transfer?
Scientists, entrepreneurs, science manager for T&I as well as funding bodies agreed in this breakout session on the need for science to create impact through transfer across all technology readiness levels, highlighting the challenges scientists face in developing entrepreneurial skills, communicating effectively, and bridging the gap between basic research and entrepreneurship.