Short but ambitious: the first expedition of RV Anna Weber-van Bosse

'The North Sea is a unique archive of former landscapes and traces of human habitation. On this expedition, which is part of the European research project Subnordica

‘After two previous cruises in 2017 and 2018, I am looking forward to going back out to sea. It's great to once again collect unique geological material from the North Sea for various studies, each of which contributes in its own way to issues that are of great social importance to the Netherlands, such as – in this case – climate and sea level change, the energy transition and cultural heritage.

‘Being able to conduct research with a fantastic ship like the AWvB is absolutely wonderful! If the weather cooperates a little, I am confident that we will have a successful cruise with this multidisciplinary team and crew.’

'I consider it a great honour to be able to sail on the Anna Weber's first campaign. I have already conducted research on a number of other European ships. I am therefore very curious to see how the new ship will compare to those other ships. Usually, the first day is a bit of a struggle with seasickness, but with a pill and a dose of healthy sea air, that usually works out fine!

‘We have worked together a lot with our Dutch colleagues in recent years, but this is the first time we are actually going on a campaign together! It is guaranteed to be an exciting experience.’

‘Like Freek, I sailed the North Sea twice on the Pelagia in 2017 and 2018. I have fond memories of the Pelagia, but I am also very much looking forward to the new ship. I am particularly pleased that the new ship also has dynamic positioning, so that we can drill even more accurately at the desired location. Unfortunately, I always get seasick for a few days, so I hope the weather will be good!

“The previous trips led to a Nature paper in 2025 (Global sea-level rise in the early Holocene revealed from North Sea peats

‘I am going on a research trip to investigate the role of the sandy seabed in the ecology of the North Sea

‘We will collect samples of seawater and the top layer of the seabed at various locations. Through experiments on board, we will determine how the seabed ‘breathes’ and thereby absorbs and emits substances that are essential for life in the North Sea, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. We will also store samples for extensive chemical and biological analyses in our NIOZ laboratories on Texel.

'We will also use this first voyage to test various new systems on board our brand-new ship. This short but ambitious voyage with a mixed group will demonstrate how the new ship offers opportunities for the entire Dutch research community. I consider it an honour to be the first chief scientist on board this new ship.

‘I am working hard to make the trip possible: obtaining permission from the authorities to take samples, coordinating who will be coming along and what needs to be done on board, putting together a feasible programme that will still yield maximum results.... In addition, I am consulting with partners about their planned activities. This involves a great deal of expectation management, because our trip is very short.’