RV Sonne

The RV Sonne (Research Vessel Sonne) is a German research vessel owned by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and operated by the Leitstelle Deutsche Forschungsschiffe at the University of Bremen. It is primarily used for marine research expeditions, covering a wide range of disciplines including geology, geophysics, biology, chemistry, oceanography, and meteorology.

The "Sonne" (meaning "sun" in German) name has been associated with a series of German research vessels. The current RV Sonne, commissioned in 2014, is the third vessel to bear the name. It is a state-of-the-art research platform equipped with advanced scientific instrumentation, deep-sea drilling capabilities, and extensive laboratory facilities.

The vessel operates globally, conducting research in various ocean regions, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Expeditions often involve international collaborations with scientists from different countries. The RV Sonne plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the marine environment, climate change, and the Earth's geological processes. The research data collected onboard is used for scientific publications, policy recommendations, and educational purposes.