THE LATEST NEWS
Read below about some recent findings and project highlights involving cutting-edge research, innovations and technological advancements in deep-sea exploration. At the heart of this work is Ægir, a vital tool supporting a wide range of marine disciplines including geology, geophysics, biology, microbiology and oceanography. As a cornerstone of national research infrastructure, Ægir is used by numerous research institutions, government agencies and other organizations to deepen our understanding of the deep ocean and its rich ecosystems.
Upgrades & industry collaboration
The NORMAR II research infrastructure grant awarded in September 2024 will lead to a general upgrade of lights, cameras, sensors and other equipment onboard Ægir 6000. The most innovative part of the upgrade involved turning the Tether Management System into a full scientific platform with thrusters, multibeam sensors and other specialized equipment. In addition, we will develop specially designed skid, drawers and sampling equipment for the ROV to enhance its performance during operations.
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NORMAR is collaborating with Kystdesign, the original builders of Ægir, to implement a permanent control room on the ice-breaker RV Kronprins Haakon. This will eliminate the need for the control room container that currently travels with Ægir when it is deployed on a cruise mission.
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Read more about upgrades over the years from the UiB archives.
Sulphide deposit discovered
During a cruise in March 2025, with the help of Ægir at 2800 metres below sea level, an inactive sulphide deposit was found. Onboard was scientists from the University of Bergen as partners in the EMINENT project, together with the Norwegian Offshore Directorate. The deposit is on the Knipovich Ridge, west of Svalbard, and is named Gygra. Its location is close to the Jøtul Vent Field.
Expeditions were carried out in the area in December 2024 and March 2025 onboard the RV Kronprins Haakon and preliminary tests were carried out on the ship.
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Read more about this find from the Norwegian Offshore Directorate.
Ægir has completed more than 1000 dives in locations mainly within the Norwegian-Greenland Sea, as well as other places of interest, to support the multi disciplinary scientific work from various institutions. The metadata from these dives, are accessible on an online database.
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Click on this link to view and interact with the Arc-GIS database. ​​
WormFEST
January 2025 marked the launch of WormFEST — a groundbreaking project exploring the fascinating worm forests found deep underwater near Arctic hydrothermal vents and cold seeps. The project is led by Mari H. Eilertsen, a researcher at the University of Bergen, Department of Biological Sciences, and the Centre for Deep Sea Research. With the use of NORMAR facilities, the WormFEST team is diving deep into the hidden ecosystems of the Arctic mid-ocean ridges to better understand the biodiversity, community dynamics and ecosystem functioning of these unique environments. The project’s 4-year mission is to uncover how these ecosystems thrive and the environmental factors that make them tick. The team has already begun analysing data collected from Ægir dives. For more info, head to the CBE Arctic website at https://cbearctic.com/about/